Planning & Zoning Administration

Overview

The Planning & Zoning division is responsible for the development, maintenance and implementation of the County Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, shoreland and floodplain regulations; works with the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment to issue conditional use permits, approve development plans and grant variances.  The Planning division is also involved with development of Parks & Open Space planning, All Hazard Mitigation planning and Transportation planning.

• Provides professional planning advice and support to the Rice Counties Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment and County Board of Commissioners.
• Reviews all zoning requests including Conditional Use Permits, Variances, and Plats.
• Initiates and processes changes to the zoning ordinance.
• Responsible for comprehensive planning for Rice County.
• Meetings with groups in the county such as Big Woods, Lake Shore Zoning Committee, Cannon River Watershed Partnership, Township Officials and many citizens of the County.
• Site inspection for zoning violations and for all permits.
• Provides direction to the Department including priorities, budget and work programs.

Zoning Documents and Forms

External Links

• Rice County Soils
• Ordinary High Water Mark
• FEMA
• Geologic Atlas
• Crop Equivalency Ratings
• MN Shoreland Management