Land Use

Our plan was undertaken at the request of the Burnett County Board of Supervisors to address a number of growth management concerns within the County. These concerns have had a significant influence on the physical development and character of the County as well as the future of the County.

Why Plan:

• The general character of the County is being affected by unsightly development and land use conflicts;
• Demand for lakefront property and lake access has caused increased development pressure on lakes in the County. Many lakes are threatened with overcrowding and the problems associated with overuse such as public recreation conflicts, surface water use conflicts, adverse impacts to sensitive riparian, and littoral habitats;
• A belief there was a general loss of "northwoods character;” and
• A widespread perception that existing land use controls and guidance have not kept pace with the changing conditions caused by high growth rates and the demand for northwoods real estate.

Because of these and other factors, the County initiated the long range planning process. It is meant to provide a guide for orderly growth and development within the County that respects the residential, commercial, and industrial needs of the County ile protecting the sensitive natural resources that provide the basis for the very existence of those sectors. The process took approximately two years to complete. We are now implementing or planning (sorry) for further implementation.

The plan provides County officials and citizens with a guide for reviewing subdivision plats, certified survey maps, rezoning requests, and other land use proposals. In addition to the public sector, the plan benefits the private sector by providing a vel of expectation and assurance as to County plans.

This website is one attempt to apprise the public of what is happening in Burnett County with land use planning. It also allows for queries and feedback from the general public on individual problems and concerns or more broad-based ones. The Burnett unty Zoning Office, led by Zoning Administrator, Jim Flanigan will be handling an FAQ page for the most common land use questions at this website.

We encourage this kind of input and look forward to hearing from you on your comments and questions.