Planning, Zoning and Floodplain

The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing the Comprehensive Plan as a guide to the future and for administering zoning regulations to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the current and future residents of Howard County.

Zoning Administrator

All zoning and subdivision cases are coordinated through the office of the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator is not a policy maker, but a policy enforcer. This appointed individual also serves as the County Floodplain Administrator.

• Receives, reviews, and issues zoning permits;
• Receives and reviews applications for variances and conditional use permits;
• Receives requests for rezoning;
• Prepares resolutions for amending zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, the Comprehensive Plan, and the zoning map;
• Reviews and issues floodplain development permits for projects within the floodplain;
• Prepares all documents for submission to the Planning Commission and/or Board of Adjustment;
• Follows the Open Meetings Act when conducting public meetings;
• Attends meetings, reviews minutes, and preserves documents according to state statutes;
• Serves in an advisory role to the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment and provides education on the Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations;
• Presents applicants’ requests to the Howard County Commissioners for action;
• Conducts site visits with the zoning chairman to ensure compliance with county zoning regulations as directed by the County Commissioners;
• Completes reports and submits documentation to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to fulfill the County’s commitment to the Livestock Friendly Program.

Planning Commission

The Joint Planning Commission consists of nine members representing Howard County and the surrounding villages of Cotesfield, Cushing, Dannebrog, Elba, and Farwell.

The Commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month, as needed, at the call of the Chairman or the Zoning Administrator.

Board of Zoning Adjustment

The Board of Zoning Adjustment consists of five members and one alternate. One member must also serve on the Planning Commission. This quasi-judicial body is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals, interpreting zoning maps, and granting variances from zoning regulations.

The Board meets in January and thereafter as needed, at the call of the Chairman or the Zoning Administrator.