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County panels approve Stockton and Amherst land-use changes and extend Farmland Preservation Plan
Summary
Portage County committees closed public hearings and approved a Stockton comprehensive plan amendment and an Amherst rezoning to resolve a property-line shed; both committees also approved a one-year extension to the county's Farmland Preservation Plan to allow updated outreach and recertification work.
Portage County's joint Planning & Zoning and Land & Water Conservation committees approved several planning items on Feb. 24, including a Town of Stockton comprehensive-plan amendment, an Amherst parcel rezoning to regularize a shed built across a lot line, and a one-year extension to the county's Farmland Preservation Plan.
Planner (Kirsten) summarized the Town of Stockton's 2026 comprehensive-plan update, noting the packet included updated wetland and floodplain layers and that the town added a rural-limited zoning district to accommodate a proposed tree farm. The committee had no public objections on Stockton's request; the committee closed the hearing and passed the item.
On Requisition 2026-63, the committee approved an owner-requested land swap and rezoning in the Town of Amherst to move two 0.117-acre parcels between A3 (low-density agricultural) and R1 (rural/urban fringe residential) so a preexisting shed complies with setbacks; the owner will obtain the requisite permits following the rezoning.
On the Farmland Preservation Plan, staff asked for a one-year extension so the county can finish outreach, update data from 2025 and work with DATCP for recertification. Staff said the plan currently expires Dec. 31, 2026, and the extension will provide time to complete public outreach and program updates. Committee members praised the program and moved to approve the extension; motions carried in both committees.
Votes and actions at a glance: Stockton comprehensive-plan amendment (Requisition 2026-62) — public hearing closed and item approved; Amherst rezoning (Requisition 2026-63) — approved; Farmland Preservation Plan extension — motion carried in both committees.
