Inside This Issue

Mark Hazelbaker

Recently, cases came to light in which the County Zoning Department is pursuing enforcement actions against farmers in Dane County who built corn mazes last summer and have been offering tours for school children and others. These activities fall under an emerging category known as "farm-tatainment."  Fewer and fewer people today have any direct connection to farming. As a consequence, people increasingly are interested in learning about farming and experiencing it recreationally.

In response to complaints, the Dane County Zoning Department sent inspectors to look into the matter. The result was letters directing the property owners involved to cease and desist.  Among the violations noted were that the farms involved had parking areas.  Additionally, the notice asserted that there was no permitted use for corn mazes and other such tour activities under the Exclusive Agricultural Zoning section of the county ordinance. 

This issue came up at the Association's January membership meeting in Westport.  Zoning Administrator Peter Conrad explained that his office felt it had no choice but to investigate the matters, since a complaint had been filed.  He said the office felt it had to respond to every complaint it received.  Some in the audience noted in response that they wished such a zealous response came when towns bring matters to the attention of the Zoning Department which seem to have gone chronically unmet, such as junk yards and abandoned vehicles. 
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General Meeting