Looking for good county-level rural zoning ordinances

[Better Zoning]

Hi all,

I recently began working in a rural (but urbanizing) county. We have a zoning ordinance but it is long overdue for an update.

I'd love to see some examples of good zoning ordinances for rural counties. Of particular issues are topics such as subdivision/density rights, agricultural land uses, and what you might describe as "rural recreational uses" such as campgrounds, river access for rafting tours, etc.

Many thanks!

-Steve

[Hfjcwv]

You are working in a rural county? You got a job on a farm or something?

[blevy]

California counties in wine growing regions have some interesting land use ordinances that address ag and recreational uses, such as Sonoma County and Napa.

[JNA]

American Farmland Trust

Sample codes: http://www.farmlandinfo.org/farmland...estTimeout=999

look at more links under Sample Documents drop down.

[Hfjcwv]

"better zoning"
Apparently you are new to JC. The county adopted a modern zoning ord in 2008 after years of hard work, only to have it thrown out by referendum in 2009. The prior/existing zoning ord is non traditional meaning it is not really a full zoning ord more like an approval process which is a bit fuzzy and gets challenged often. In fact, there is a substantial number of JC residents that would prefer NO ZONING at all - you know, Mountain Men are Free - do to whatever the heck they want, incl dumb stuff. If you want zoning ordinance updated, you should start now to get 4 of the JC commissioners voted out of office. Several of them were instrumental in the referendum thowing out the zoning ordinance. The problem is not the zoning ord, its the JC commission voted in by good ole boys.

[Dan]

Definitely check out the Larimer County, Colorado Land Use Code. It's a logically arranged plain English code that addresses all the things you mention. No form-based elements, but otherwise a good code.