Current Statistics 
Q: Do I need a building permit?
A: All new construction, additions, remodeling, and accessory structures require a building permit. Examples would include: new structures, grain bins, sheds, storage buildings, decks and sunrooms. Portable structures also require permits. Permits are not required for routine maintenance or repair (such as painting or re-roofing). The building permit application form is posted on the website.
Q: How much does a building permit cost?
A: Please see our fee schedule for more information.
Q: How far off the property line does a fence have to be?
A: Residential Fences are permitted on the property lines in residential districts, but shall not be closer than two (2) feet to any public right-of-way.
Security Fences are permitted on the property lines in all districts, but shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height and shall be of an open type similar to woven wire or wrought iron fencing.
Q: What is my setback?
A: Setbacks are determined by the zoning district in which the property is located. To determine the applicable setback, it is first necessary to determine the zoning district in which the property is located. Zoning maps can be found here. The maps are listed by Township. The applicable setbacks for all the zoning districts are as follows:
| A - Agricultural |
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| R-1 Single Family |
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| R-2 Single Family |
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| R-3 Single Family |
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| R-4 Two Family and Multi-Family |
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| B-1 Business |
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| B-2 Business |
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| B-3 Highway Business |
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| M-1 Limited Manufacturing |
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| M-2 General Manufacturing |
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Q: What minimum lot size do I need to create a new lot?
| A - Agricultural | Five (5) acres, except an existing farmstead may be allowed on a minimum of one (1) acre (See Zoning Ordinance Section 3.41-6) |
| R-1 Single Family | 10,000 square feet |
| R-2 Single Family | 7,500 square feet |
| R-3 Single Family | 6,000 square feet |
| R-4 Two Family and Multi-Family | Two family - 12,000 square feet. Mutli-Family - 15 dwelling units per acre; 30 bedrooms per acre. Maximum density shall be interpolated proportionately where development less than an acre is proposed. |
| B-1 Business | None Required. |
| B-2 Business | None Required. |
| B-3 Highway Business | None Required. |
| M-1 Limited Manufacturing | One (1) acre. |
| M-2 General Manufacturing | One (1) acre. |
Q: What building code does the County enforce?
A: The County has not adopted a building code.
Q: What does the Zoning Board of Appeals do?
A: The Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority to grant variances and has the responsibility of providing recommendations to the County Board on applications for conditional uses, special use permits, rezoning requests, and zoning amendment. The Zoning Board of Appeals bases its decisions and recommendations upon determination that the application requested satisfies the applicable approval criteria.
Q: What is a variance?
A: A variance is basically a request to "not have the regulations apply to my property" given the circumstances on the property. For example, if a property owner wanted to construct an addition to an existing house (built approximately 60 years ago) but the house already is located in a required setback, the zoning ordinance would not allow the issuance of a building permit because the addition would not comply with setbacks. Given the circumstances, the property owner may apply for a variance, requesting that the setback not be applied to this particular situation given the unique circumstances of the property.
Q: If I live out in the country, can I place a second dwelling unit on my property for family members?
A: No, only one (1) dwelling is allowed on the property. Another dwelling unit would have to be located on its own parcel and that parcel would have to meet the minimum lot size requirements for the zoning district in which it is located.
