Land UseLand Use DistrictsThe planning process began in Trempealeau County in 1998. The Department of Land Management determined that the most important part of a county comprehensive plan was a land use plan. Once it is determined what the land will be used for, plans can be developed to ensure services can efficiently be provided to the uses. It was determined that the individual townships (15 total) should develop their own land use plans with assistance from the Department of Land Management. The Environment and Land Use Committee determined that it is important that each town develop their own plan based on an intensive effort to gain resident input and participation. The Environment and Land Use Committee believes that the Town Boards and residents of the town are best suited for determining future land use in their towns.
Town land use plans completed to date:
Town land use plans will ultimately fulfill the land use element of Trempealeau County's "Smart Growth" Comprehensive Plan. If an individual town determines that it does not want to participate in the planning process the, Department of Land Management will continue with the next scheduled town. Towns that do not participate in the planning process will not be included in the County Comprehensive Plan. The result of a town not participating in the planning process will ultimately result in the town not being zoned. In addition, if a town decides not to participate in the planning process it will result in the towns ability to manage land uses locally and could result in the town not being able to receive state funding for specific projects.
Land Use DistrictsExclusive Agriculture (EA). This district preserves class I, II and III soils and additional irrigated farmland from scattered residential developments that would threaten the future of agriculture in the Town. The district is also established to preserve woodlands, wetlands, natural areas and the rural atmosphere of the township. Minimum lot sizes of 35 acres are recommended. The requirements of the district will be designed to be consistent with the state requirements for an exclusive agriculture district so that property owners can take advantage of the farmland preservation tax credits.
Exclusive Agriculture 2 (EA 2). This district preserves class I, II, III soils and additional irrigated farmland from scattered residential developments that would threaten the future of agriculture in the Town. The district is also established to preserve woodlands, wetlands, natural areas and the rural atmosphere of the township. One dwelling unit per 35 acres is the recommended density with a minimum lot size of ? acres. Properties included in this district would be eligible for farmland preservation tax credits.
Primary Agriculture (PA). This district preserves the agricultural appearance and character of the town yet allows for some residential development. A maximum residential density of 2 dwelling units per 40 acres is recommended unless clustered.
Rural Residential (RR). This district provides locations for low density residential developments. The district can be utilized as a transition area between exclusive and primary agriculture uses and higher density land use districts. A maximum residential density of 4 dwelling units per 40 acres is recommended unless clustered.
Residential - 8 (R-8). This district has been established to provide areas for residential development within the town. A maximum residential density of 8 dwelling units per 40 acres is recommended unless clustered.
Residential - 20 (R-20). This district provides locations for higher density residential developments. These locations should primarily be located near existing developed areas or on soils not suitable for agricultural operations. A maximum residential density of 20 dwelling units per 40 acres is recommended.
Commercial (C). This district provides locations for commercial development. Retail, office and service establishments are examples of uses permitted under this classification.
Industrial (IND). This district provides suitable locations for industrial development. Manufacturing and warehousing uses would be examples of uses permitted under this classification. It is recommended that future industrial uses be located near areas in which public utilities are or will be available.
Environmental Significance (ES). This district designates areas of environmental significance such as wetlands, flood plains, lakes, streams, etc. Development of these areas should be discouraged but not prohibited unless federal, state or local ordinances that prohibit development regulate the areas.
Institutional (INST). This district provides locations for institutional uses such as schools, churches and government buildings.
Transitional Agriculture (TA). Properties categorized as transitional agriculture properties are recognized in their present state as agricultural properties. However, the adopted land use plan recognizes that in the future these properties may be suitable fro development as detailed in the land use plan. Therefore, the properties are categorized as transitional agriculture properties. This district is established to provide existing agricultural properties the ability to continue their present agricultural uses.
(last update January 2007)
