Farmers, wind, home business part of Scott zoning proposal
Proposed changes to Scott County’s zoning ordinances will better define farming income, allow wind generators and regulate home-based businesses.
The Scott County Board of Supervisors will have the first of two votes to change the ordinances at its meeting Thursday. Changes to the county’s subdivision ordinance will be discussed at the planning and zoning commission meeting May 6, planning and development director Tim Huey said.
The new zoning ordinance will require a person or family to be able to show they receive at least 50 percent or more of the median household income in Scott County through farming. Huey said the county’s median income is about $21,000.
Huey keeps an eye on trends that might require changes to the zoning ordinance. How to split farm homesteads came from spotting a trend. The change defends what part of a homestead and possible size of the plot being split can be.
“They’ve approved 15 of those in the past five years,” Huey said of homestead splits.
Two sizes of wind generators are included in the proposed zoning ordinances. Small wind generators will be allowed as accessory use for single-family residences, and large wind generators will be allowed with special use permits in ag preservation districts, but with height and noise requirements. The county hasn’t received any requests, but is being proactive, Huey said.
Special use permits for home-based businesses would include space requirements, limit the business to one employee and not generate excess traffic, Huey said. Neighbors must be contacted as part of the planning commission’s consideration process.