Permits up in March; county staff reports enforcement cases, recycling event and contract inspection updates

Brian (county land-use staff) told the committee the county issued 34 permits in March, including three new single-family homes, one commercial office permit and a commercial solar farm. "We had a total of 34 permits issued in March," he said.

Zoning enforcement: Staff described a parcel associated with Denise Eatman (the "Bridal" entry in the packet) with a leased cell tower and two travel trailers the occupants appear to be living in. Staff said a final notice was issued and on-site inspection confirmed the trailers were being used as residences; the tower itself is typically owned by private tower companies and is exempt from zoning setbacks. Committee members asked whether the tower must be removed and whether a mobile home permit could be issued; staff said a mobile-home permit could be considered, but living in travel trailers is not allowed and the tower ownership is separate from the landowner.

Inspections and complaints: Staff reported nine zoning/complaint inspections in March and detailed a Wicks complaint in Dayton Township for burning household trash and dangerous-dog reports; animal control and the health department joined inspections. At an abandoned Marathon electric plant site near Earlville, staff said the owner is hauling off tires and demolition debris and coordinating with a village attorney to complete cleanup.

Recycling and solid-waste negotiations: Staff reminded members of a county recycling event on April 11 (registration open) and explained new state takeback programs for latex paint and batteries. On solid waste, staff said the county's expanded service-area host agreement with Republic expires in June; Republic has proposed expanding the service area and changing host fees, and staff expect either an ordinance or a short extension resolution while negotiations continue.

Building-inspection contract: Staff updated the committee on Safe Built’s remote video inspection work and in-person plumbing inspections, saying remote plan review has been functioning and most inspections pass. A small number of legacy permits require further work due to transition issues; staff said they had requested quotes from other providers and will discuss options (continue contract, hybrid model, or in-house inspections).

Next steps: The committee placed the packet materials on file and will expect follow-up on host-agreement negotiations and further reporting on inspection contract options.