Home     Zoning     Building Permits     SSTS     Feedlots     Solid Waste     Wells     Erosion Control     Misc Tidbits     Questions     Contacts          

ZONING

What are Zoning Districts? The Faribault County Zoning Ordinance divides the county into zoning districts for the purpose of regulating structures and use of the land.  The purpose of defining these districts was to minimize conflict between incompatible uses and to provide for orderly development.  Each district includes a definition of how the land may be used, such as lot area, size of buildings, and setbacks.  By defining the regulations and uses within each district, the county hopes to encourage the most appropriate use of the land while respecting economic and environmental values, and recognizing the rights of property owners and land use patterns.   While each zoning district allows for a specific number of permitted uses, there are additional uses, called conditional uses, which may be allowed subject to a public hearing process. Contact the Faribault County Planning and Zoning Office or go to www.faribaultcountyswcd.com for additional information on what zoning district you are located within, permitted uses within that district, or to obtain a copy of the Faribault County Zoning Ordinance.    The county is divided into zoning districts for the purpose of regulating structures and use of the land.

Shoreland vs. Non-Shoreland Shoreland in Faribault County is considered 1,000 feet from the high water mark of a lake or 300 feet from a river or stream. Within shoreland areas, certain regulations may exist to protect public waters, preserve shoreland aesthetics, and protect fish and wildlife habitat. Are there setback or lot size requirements when building a new structure or addition? When buying property or applying for a building permit on an existing acreage, it is important to be aware of setback requirements.  Within each zoning district, setbacks exist for buildings, windbreaks, agricultural buildings, septic systems, and dwellings.  These setbacks are  from the centerline of roads, side and rear property lines, water level, and feedlots.  Certain uses also require a minimum lot area, width, and depth. Buyers or homeowners can contact the Planning and Zoning Office or go to www.faribaultcountyswcd.com to learn more about setback requirements specific to their site.   What should I consider before buying a lot? Before finalizing any kind of purchase contract, check with the Planning and Zoning Office to see whether you can get a building permit, including a permit to install an individual sewage treatment system. This will work to alleviate problems in the future if the site does not meet the minimum lot area or setback requirements.