Jones County P&Z recommends increases in zoning fees

     Fees will likely be changing concerning zoning and subdivisions in Jones County.

     Land Use Administrator Michele Lubben presented updated fees per the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendations.

     “We’ve had several new items,” Lubben said, noting the addition of wind and solar farms.

     Lubben and the P&Z also reviewed other county’s zoning fees so get a feel for what is acceptable in the area.

     “I’d rather keep our fees lower so people don’t skirt the system,” Lubben said.

     The last time Jones County changed its zoning fees was in 2012.

     The following increases were recommended:

Zoning Fees

     • Accessory Use, from $25 to $40

     • Agricultural Exemption, will remain at no fee

     • Appeal (action by the Board of Adjustment), from $225 to $250

     •  District Change, remain at $250

     • Farmland Split (residential), from $75 to $100

     • Farmland Split, from $75 to $100

     • Permitted Use, from $75 to $100

     • Sign Application, from $75 to $100

     • Special Permitted Use, from $225 to $250

     • Variance, from $225 to $250

Subdivision Fees

     • Preliminary Plat, from $200 to $225

     • Final Plat, from $300 to $325, plus $20 per lot

     • Boundary Line Adjustment (new application), $150

     • WECS (wind farm), $1,000 plus additional expenses

     • SECS (solar farm), $1,000 plus additional expenses

     • Quarry (new construction or significant expansion of existing), $1,000 plus additional expenses

     Lubben said many counties are charging a flat $1,000 fee for wind and solar applications.

     Once the board of supervisors approve the increase in fees, they will take effect June 1.

     Noting that wind and solar farms could potentially big controversial, Lubben said the P&Z felt those public hearings and approvals needed to come before the board of supervisors as the elected officials.

     “We can have the public hearing and let the public respond,” said Supervisor Ned Rohwedder.

     Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach noted that if a farmer wanted to build a large livestock operation, would the county say no, in comparison to a wind or solar farm.

     “Solar is less evasive than wind,” Lubben said. “But you can’t zone them out. They do provide a tax base and benefits.”

     She shared that Iowa County put a moratorium on wind farms and some people were unhappy with that decision.

     The board will take action on the increase in fees at their next meeting.

In other county business:

     • EMA Coordinator Brenda Leonard shared that she was contacted by the Telegraph Herald newspaper concerning a story on 70 years tornado history in area.

     “We lead with the number of tornados, which was surprising,” noted Leonard. “We have had quite a few.”

     In 2017 alone, Jones County saw three tornadoes in one night.

     Comparing Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones counties, Jones County leads with a total of 35 tornadoes wince 1950. Delaware is second with 33.

     Leonard said the use of drones has helped with the unseen paths left behind by a tornado through farm fields.

     • County Attorney Kristofer Lyons talked with the board about having liability insurance on Memorial Hall in Wyoming.

     “If you’re renting out the building and there’s no liability attached to it, we need to shore that up,” Lyons said. “It’s a good idea if accidents happen.”

     “A lot of civic events are held there,” said Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach, including Senior Dining.

     The board will take action at their next meeting.

     • The board will hold a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant on Tuesday, May 18, at 9 a.m.

     This grant was awarded to the county for food distribution during the pandemic. The county was granted permission to repurpose the grant to HACAP. The hearing is required for reimbursement of funds.

     • Secondary Roads is working through a BUILD grant (now referred to as a RAISE grant) for federal funding for the replacement on a bridge on Landis Road. County Engineer Derek Snead sought RFQs (request for quotes) from four different consultants. After reviewing the proposals, Snead is proceeding with IIW.

     “We’ve worked with them before and they are more than capable to produce the information we need,” he said. “They’ve done extensive work along the Wapsipinicon River.”

     IIW also performed the hydraulic analysis for the Lead Mine Road project.

     The board approved allowing Secondary Road to proceed to negotiations with IIW for an estimate of costs for the proposed project.