Land & Water Conservation

Local Ordinances

County and town governments may adopt ordinances to require permits for manure storage structures, require conservation practices on farms and regulate new and expanded livestock facilities. DATCP has responsibilities under state law to oversee local regulation.

DATCP rules spell out standards for manure storage ordinances adopted under s. 92.16, Stats. Local governments must submit these ordinances for DATCP review, but DATCP approval is not required. All counties with significant agricultural activity have adopted these ordinances.

A program review of the DATCP manure storage ordinance program was completed in 2007. An overview of the evaluation can be found here (Word doc). Maps displaying data collected during the course of the review can be viewed here. For more information regarding manure storage ordinances, the program review, or to read the program review in its entirety contact Richard Castelnuovo, richard.castelnuovo@wi.gov.

DATCP and the Department of Natural Resources must approve county livestock regulations that exceed state nutrient management and other performance standards.

The Livestock Facility Siting Law requires that local governments follow state standards if they require conditional use permits or other local approval for new and expanded livestock facilities.