UW Extension presenter outlines zoning, subdivision and land‑use tools for Vernon County

Becky Roberts, a Center for Land Use Education educator affiliated with UW Extension, led a workshop for the Vernon County Planning Commission on general zoning and rural land‑division tools, describing how those ordinances implement a community’s comprehensive plan and balance public health, safety and property rights.

Roberts explained that three primary local planning tools — the comprehensive plan (vision), a zoning ordinance (what uses are allowed where) and a subdivision or land‑division ordinance (how property is legally divided and the standards for lots and roads) — each serve distinct functions. "One is, do you want zoning? Is it going to be countywide? Is it township by township? Are there some who are going to continue to opt out? Who's going to administer it?" Roberts said, framing the decisions the county will need to make about scope and administration. She urged commissioners to start with a small set of districts, add measurable standards over time, and pair map‑based districts with clear, enforceable text.

Roberts walked the group through examples — from permit/conditional/prohibited use tables to density standards and build‑out modeling — to illustrate how different choices change potential development patterns. She also described overlay tools (steep‑slope, shoreland and airport protection zones) and administrative components such as variance processes and appeals. The presentation is intended to inform the commission as it considers whether to pursue county‑administered zoning, town opt‑in approaches, or a hybrid model; Roberts said follow‑up materials and a cleaned copy of her slides will be provided to staff.