Community & Economic Development (Planning & Zoning)

Community & Economic Development (Planning & Zoning)

Purpose of Planning and Zoning

The Community & Economic Development department is responsible for the enforcement of Woodbury County's Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance is the tool utilized to implement the County's Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to provide a program for the orderly and efficient growth and development of Woodbury County. The Plan is concerned with the effective use of land, structures and open space, both public and private, to make Woodbury County a desirable place in which to live and work.

The studies used to prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the unincorporated area of Woodbury County include analysis of population trends and characteristics, economic factors, existing use of land and structures, public utilities and roads, recreational and educational facilities and the financial condition of the County.

The formulation and development of the Plan was guided by land use goals and objectives. The first goal is to provide for the orderly growth and development of the County while encouraging the preservation of existing agricultural resources. The second objective is to provide for varied residential areas to serve the diverse housing needs of the County population. Another purpose is to promote sound economic growth through the proper allocation of land for agricultural, commercial and industrial development. An additional goal is to provide for an adequate transportation system for safe and efficient movement of goods and people is a goal. In addition, the intent is to preserve public and private open space including wooded areas, streams and floodplains recognizing these areas as resources to be conserved rather than developed. The final objective is to allocate sufficient land for parks and recreation to meet the needs of the present and future population.

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