The Richland County Natural Resources Committee on an administrative vote this month approved a series of small rezonings and confirmed that required certified survey maps (CSMs) will be completed before sales proceed.

Committee members approved a 0.6-acre split from a larger farm to create a residential lot for Thomas Nee, after staff reported one neighbor inquiry and no formal objections. Members also approved an eight-acre split for Martin and Trudy Kinion and clarified an Ithaca Township rezone to formalize a rental house split; staff said each parent parcel remains above the 35-acre threshold that preserves agricultural zoning for the remaining farmland.

The approvals followed staff assurances that required CSMs are being prepared. On the Thomas Nee item, staff noted the parcel already contains a house and septic. Chair moved the items, and the committee adopted them by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

In routine reports, land conservation staff said the county issued six more sanitary permits in November and counted seven installations in that month, bringing year-to-date sanitary permits to 81 versus 71 at this point last year. Land-use permits totaled 128 for the year (down from 154 the prior year). Staff said soil tests will decline as the ground freezes and that outreach will continue to clarify permit requirements for farmers and property owners.

Staff also described a small number of active violations, including a family temporarily living in an outbuilding; officials said they will follow up and expect the occupants to relocate before winter. The committee asked staff to continue coordinating with townships on prior CSMs and to ensure consistent packet labeling on future agendas.

The committee closed the item without further action and moved on to other business.