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Boone County adopts new Unified Development Ordinance, adds buffer note for large livestock operations
Summary
The Boone County Board adopted a consolidated UDO after debate over livestock setbacks and tree‑preservation language, directing staff to add a quarter‑mile plat note for registered livestock operations of 300 animal units or more measured from the operation lot line.
Boone County officials voted June 18 to adopt a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that combines the county zoning and subdivision codes and modernizes use categories, illustrations and review procedures.
The ordinance, presented by planning staff and consultants, was approved as amended after residents and farm groups raised concerns about how the UDO treats livestock facilities, tree removals and protections for prime farmland. "The biggest change would be that the subdivision ordinance and the zoning ordinance has been combined," planning staff member Jesse said during the presentation.
Farm advocates in public comment warned the updated rules could limit the ability of existing livestock operations to expand and reduce protections for farmland. "We were left to conclude that R1 was returned on behalf of the developers," Ken Ramsey of the Farmland Protection Project told the board, urging clarity on reverse setbacks and tree‑removal policies. John Mitchell, president of the Winnebago‑Boone Farm Bureau, asked the board to retain reverse setbacks and questioned proposed 500‑foot lot‑line and 1,320‑foot non‑agricultural setbacks. "Our mission is to be the voice, resource, and advocate for farm families and agriculture," Mitchell said.
Board members discussed several technical options, including requiring subdivision plats to carry a notation when lots are created within a quarter mile of a large registered livestock operation so prospective buyers are on notice. After debate the board adopted an amendment directing staff to add language that any residential subdivision within one‑quarter mile of a registered livestock facility of 300 animal units or more must include a note on the subdivision plat indicating that proximity; the quarter‑mile measurement will be taken from the livestock operation's lot line.
The UDO also retains a tree preservation requirement for development projects (tree inventory/preservation standards apply at the development stage) and consolidates district categories to simplify administration, the consultants said. Consultant Jake said the UDO "implements the new comprehensive plan," and noted the code is intended as a living document that the county can amend as needed.
The board approved the UDO as amended on a roll‑call vote. Staff will draft final ordinance language reflecting the board's intent and return it for confirmation and incorporation into the codified UDO.
