Land resources staff report: comp plan draft timeline, permit volumes up, parks revenue lagging, enforcement cases active

Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Department staff told the committee on April 28 that the comprehensive plan update is progressing, permitting activity is up for the first quarter of 2025 versus 2024, and enforcement remains active on shoreline and salvage‑yard complaints.

Staff reported the comprehensive plan citizen opinion survey closed with 367 responses and the project hub site recorded roughly 550 visits. The consultant is reviewing the old plan and public input and expects to provide draft maps and text to staff and the work group by July 4. Staff said the drafts could be shared with the committee and work group for review.

Permit activity through March showed an increase in land use permits (80 this year versus 60 last year) and letters of intent (33 versus 15 last year). Staff noted March was particularly heavy for submittals. On revenues, permitting receipts tracked about $10,000 above the same period in 2024, while parks camping revenue ran about $8,000 below last year because Harnischfeger Park remains closed for an electrical upgrade pending transformer installation expected in mid‑May.

On enforcement, staff summarized recent complaint work involving septic systems, salvage‑yard issues, occupied campers, and shoreland violations. For shoreland complaints, staff described the state’s shoreland protection as generally covering land within 300 feet of rivers and 1,000 feet of lakes and said a 75‑foot setback is a key number for structures and certain features; removals or relocations (for example, retaining walls or fire pits within the setback) are required when property owners have not demonstrated prior lawful placement.

Staff also reviewed upcoming agenda items, enforcement timelines, and noted that several compliance notices will be forwarded to County Corporation Counsel for further action if corrections are not made within provided timeframes.