Farmland Preservation Zoning Goals: Preserve farmland to maintain and grow St. Croix County’s agricultural industry while enhancing the rural landscape Create districts which encourage Town and Landowner Participation Minimize conflicts between land uses

Chapter 91 Key Changes  “Farm” lot size is no longer required to be 35 acres or more  80% of lands identified as FP within the plan need to participate in FP zoning for town to qualify  More latitude for permitted Agricultural Accessory Uses  Additional flexibility for Agricultural related uses  Maximum of 5 dwelling units w/out rezoning based on farm size & density of district  FP Zoning Districts based on Density vs. Minimum Lot size

1 Dwelling Unit Per 20 Acres 1 Dwelling Unit Per 40 Acres

Key Changes  Stricter Rezoning Standards  Required reporting of rezonings and land use changes to DATCP  Maximum of 5 dwelling units w/out rezoning based on farm size & density of district  State Certification required every 10 years  Conversion Fee has been removed for rezonings  “Livestock” definition now includes horses  Soil & Water Conservation compliance required for tax credits

Tax Credits & Conservation Measures *Soil & Water Conservation Measures required for all claiming tax credits* $5.00/acre for farmers with a farmland preservation agreement signed after July 1, 2009 and located in an agricultural enterprise area $7.50/acre for farmers in an area zoned for farmland preservation $10.00/acre for farmers in an area zoned and certified for farmland preservation and in an agricultural enterprise area, with a farmland preservation agreement signed after July 1, 2009

What is your primary interest/ reason that brought you here tonight?

What is the smallest size you would consider a “farm?”

If you were drafting the new FP zoning districts, what would you change from the existing ExAg district?

The FP plan discussed a 1 Dwelling Unit per 20 acres and a 1 Dwelling Unit per 40 acre density districts. What differences would you like to see between these two FP zoning districts?

What types of land uses would you consider compatible with the Farmland Preservation Zoning Districts(s)?

Potential Land uses  Sales & Servicing of farm equipment  Ethanol plant, bio-diesel plan, communal manure digester  Sawmill  Special Events- weddings, corn mazes, rodeo, etc.  On-farm riding stables and boarding facilities  Grain warehouse, storage or raw agricultural commodities received from other farms  Dairy processing plant  Meat slaughter establishment  Major home occupations  Sales of Agricultural supplies (seed, fertilizer, chemicals, etc.)  Veterinary services for farms  Retail sales of processed agricultural goods (ex: salsa, wine)  Agritourism

In your opinion what does Agritourism consist of? Feel free to list examples.

Tax Credits & Soil & Water Questions Farmland Preservation Zoning and Planning Contacts & Links of Interest St. Croix County Farmland Preservation Plan: Chapter 91: DATCP Working Lands Initiative: Jeff Lueck County Technician Ag Center, Baldwin, WI office phone cell phone Amanda Engesether Senior Planner Government Center, Hudson, WI croix.wi.us