Lake County Planning, Zoning & Drainage

The Planning, Zoning, Drainage, and Natural Resources Office is responsible for managing the physical growth of the unincorporated area of the County. The Lake County Comprehensive Development Plan is the official document used to guide decisions on land use matters. The comprehensive plan is designed to anticipate and deal constructively with changes occurring within the County.

Components of the plan include population trends and forecasts, land use analysis, transportation, public facilities, natural and environmental resources, and future development plan. The comprehensive plan is a "blueprint" for the future development of the County. Zoning and subdivision ordinances are specific regulations intended to carry out the plan.

Daily responsibilities of the department include enforcement of the zoning and subdivision regulations and issuance of zoning and building permits. Ordinances governing nuisances, agricultural drainage, solid waste disposal, and flood plain management are also administered by the department.