Departments | Planning and Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for communicating, enforcing, and administering the land use ordinances in the rural areas of Cerro Gordo County. Such land use ordinances include the Zoning Ordinance, Land Subdivision Ordinance, and the Uniform Rural Address System Ordinance. In addition, the department administers the permitting of docks at public accesses along the south shore of Clear Lake. The department is staffed by an Administrative Officer and an Administrative Assistant.
County residents who are planning to build, re-build, alter, enlarge, or move any building or structure on their property are required to complete and file an Application for Zoning Certificate with the Planning and Zoning Department. In addition, if the use or occupancy of a building, structure, or parcel of land will be changed, an Application for Zoning Certificate must be filed. From this Application, the department will determine compliance with applicable ordinances and whether any exemptions apply. Once completed applications are filed, with required signatures from the Department of Public Health and/or the Clear Lake Sanitary District, the department has seven days to approve, deny, or request more information on the application.
The Administrative Officer and Administrative Assistant provide staff services to the county's Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
The Planning and Zoning Commission hears and makes recommendations on requests for rezonings, subdivision plats, street vacations, and controlled accesses. The Commission makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, which has final say in these matters.
The Board of Adjustment holds hearings and issues decisions on applications for special use permits, variances from the requirements of the zoning ordinances, and appeals of decisions by the Administrative Officer. The Board of Adjustment has the final say on matters in which it has jurisdiction.
Yes. If you plan on doing any constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, altering, or moving of a building or structure (including sheds, decks, fences, and signs), on any property outside of city limits you must apply for a permit.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
You still need to apply for a permit. From your application, we will be able to determine whether you are in a flood hazard area and whether you are agriculturally exempt under Iowa Code and the Zoning Ordinance. Also, by applying, the Health Department has the opportunity to determine whether your septic system and drain field is sized appropriately for the improvements you plan to make.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
To be considered agriculturally exempt, your property must be at least 10 acres in size and being used primarily for agricultural purposes. The property must also be currently used for producing crops and/or raising livestock. Livestock are defined by the Zoning Ordinance as cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, and other animals or fowl, which are being produced primarily for use as food or food products for human consumption. Horses are not considered to be livestock.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
You may build on less than 10 acres under certain circumstances. In the A-1 Agricultural District, parcels of less than 10 acres, created before March 13, 1990, are considered legal lots. Parcels zoned A-1 and created after March 13, 1990, must be 10 acres or larger in size.
Another exception includes parcels zoned A-2 Agricultural. In the A-2 district, the minimum parcel size is two acres. Normally, these are existing farmsteads that are being severed from surrounding tillable land. Requests to rezone property from A-1 to A-2 are heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission, which makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Fees for zoning permits are based on the costs of construction. Applicants are informed of the required permit fee after the permit application has been reviewed and approved. The fee is due prior to the issuance of the permit.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
The Planning and Zoning Department is available to answer your questions from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 641-421-3075.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Inquiries on how property is zoned may be made by contacting the Planning and Zoning Department at 641-421-3075. Please have the legal description (from your tax bill or property abstract) for the property you are inquiring about ready when you call.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Different setback requirements apply in each zoning district. After the zoning classification of your property has been determined, you may find information on permitted uses and property setbacks for that classification in the Zoning Ordinance or by asking the Planning and Zoning Department.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
To review the Zoning Ordinance online, click here (pdf). In addition, copies of the Zoning Ordinance are on file at the Mason City and Clear Lake Public Libraries. The Zoning Ordinance may also be viewed at the Planning and Zoning Department office located on first floor of the Courthouse. Copies of the Zoning Ordinance may be purchased for $25 at the Planning and Zoning Department office.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Cerro Gordo County adopted its first Zoning Ordinance in June 1962. A revised Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1971. The county's current Zoning Ordinance was adopted March 13, 1990. The current ordinance is amended as necessary.