By Hannah Dutrow - AGPROfessionals Land Planner, Specializing in Agricultural and Rural Land-Use and Development Permitting

Spring is here and so is the rush to the permitting counters.

If you’re planning on getting a construction project started, preparing ahead of time can make all the difference.

Here’s a quick checklist to help keep your project moving:

✔️ Confirm zoning and allowed uses

✔️ Identify all required permits (building, zoning, access, etc.)

✔️ Obtain civil and construction drawings from your engineer

✔️Address stormwater management requirements

✔️Plan for site access and traffic control (if applicable)

✔️Coordinate with utilities (water, sewer/septic, electric, natural gas)

✔️Submit early to secure your place in the review queue

Keep in mind that review timelines can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and project complexity, especially if multiple agencies are involved.

That’s where AGPROfessionals comes in. Our expert team of land use planning and permitting experts help clients get organized early, identify requirements, and navigate the permitting process efficiently, so projects don’t get stuck waiting in line.

By Hannah Dutrow - AGPROfessionals Land Planner, Specializing in Agricultural and Rural Land-Use and Development Permitting

Getting land use approval often feels like the finish line, but in reality, it’s just the beginning. This is where your project truly begins to take shape as it moves into construction.

Construction permitting is not a single approval; it’s a coordinated process involving multiple permits that may proceed concurrently.

Common required permits include:

Right-of-Way / Public Space Permits:

For work within public roads or rights-of-way, including utility crossings or roadway improvements.

Access Permits:

Determines how your site connects to the roadway, including driveway location, sight distance, and required improvements.

Building Permits:

Required for structures and focused on code compliance and safety.

Grading and Stormwater Permits:

Addressing drainage, erosion control, and site disturbance.

Utility Permits:

Coordinating water, sewer, septic, and power services.

By Hannah Dutrow - AGPROfessionals Land Planner, Specializing in Agricultural and Rural Land-Use and Development Permitting

Agriculture doesn’t end at the field. It moves through a series of key steps that keep products moving, businesses running, and consumers fed.

Grain must be hauled. Produce must be cleaned and packaged. Milk must be processed into products like butter or cheese. Feed must be milled and distributed. These operations are a critical part of the agricultural economy and its supply chain; however, in many jurisdictions they aren’t classified the same as traditional agricultural uses.

Commodity hauling operations, feed mills, grain storage, and processing facilities often require special permits or additional land use approvals to legally operate on a property.

Why?

It typically comes down to operational impacts.

Increased truck traffic, employee activity, noise, building size, hours of operation, and infrastructure capacity all play a role in how these uses are evaluated. While these businesses directly support agriculture, their scale and operational characteristics can look very different from farming or ranching activities.

For farmers, ranchers, and large-acreage landowners, land is more than property — it’s the foundation of your livelihood and your legacy. You might be preparing to transition land to the next generation or subdivide your property for separate parcel sales or residential development. These decisions require expertise and foresight.

Subdividing and land use planning are complicated processes. There are many moving parts, and most landowners quickly encounter a lot of “It depends…” answers and very few clearly defined steps. Both agricultural and rural residential projects can succeed, but they require thoughtful planning, careful budgeting, and awareness of the permitting and regulatory landscape.

AGPROfessionals has been serving agricultural producers and rural landowners nationwide for over 25 years, helping ensure that subdividing and land use planning projects meet regulatory requirements, reflect long-term goals, and protect property value.

Here are some important considerations when approaching subdivision and land planning projects:

Access and Transportation

Every tract of land, whether agricultural or residential, needs reliable access. When subdividing, access permits are often required to ensure parcels connect properly to county roads or highways. Without these approvals, future landowners may face serious limitations on entry and use.

Turn Land Potential Into Real Progress

When it comes to land development, success starts long before construction begins. Whether you're buying raw land, planning a subdivision, or launching a new business venture, understanding how to navigate zoning, permitting, and local regulations is key — and that's where AGPROfessionals comes in.

Our team of land planners, engineers, surveyors, and consultants brings decades of experience to help landowners, developers, and investors move forward with confidence and clarity.

🔍 Start Smart: Land Use Due Diligence

The most successful projects begin with one thing: preparation. AGPROfessionals helps clients evaluate feasibility, identify constraints, and uncover opportunities before land is even purchased or expanded.

Our Due Diligence Services Include:

• Feasibility Studies

• Environmental Assessments

• Code Analysis & Conceptual Site Plans

• ALTA, Boundary & Improvements Surveys

• Water Rights Reviews

• Utility Availability Assessments

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