Ask Mr. Answer Person: "What are the fees charged for Winneshiek County zoning applications?"

(Lee e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "I head the county has a list of what fees are charged for zoning applications--but I haven't seen that list.  Can you help?")

Mr. Answer Person says: "The fees in question were approved by resolution of the Winneshiek County Board in 2012, which, of course, makes them a matter of public record.

They range in cost from $20 for a construction compliance certificate for construction of less than $5,000 in value to $450 for a residential subdivision request fee after construction has started or after a change in the use of land.

County officials say Winneshiek County's fees are fairly modest in comparison with several other Iowa counties.  But that's not the question that has been raised the most with county supervisors--the question of when a conditional use permit is required has gotten the most discussion.

A consulting firm, Yaggy & Colby, is in the midst of reviewing the county's zoning ordinances.  As of yet they have not made a recommendation to county officials about what to charge--or when--for fees.

A copy copy of the 2012 ordinance is linked below.