Agricultural zones were discussed at the recent Washington City Council meeting and the council approved the first reading amending a chapter of code. Steve Donnolly, building and zoning official for the city, explained the Planning and Zoning board has been working through it for about 14 months. It started when they wanted to create a new A-2 district around the airport. That did not pass. Since then, the P and Z board worked with property owners near the airport on the new amendments.

The city’s zoning regulations extend two miles beyond the city limits, per state regulations. A-1 permitted uses include agricultural buildings, single family detached dwellings on lots of 20 acres or more, railroad rights-of-way and tracks, and transformer stations. Other uses can be authorized by the board of adjustment. It does permit multiple homes on a family farm, with certain acreage requirements.

Donnolly says the city may waive its right over areas, but it is in effect to protect the airport and so the city can maintain that any future subdivisions are up to par, should they ever hook up to city utilities and that their roads are up to city standards.