Livestock Siting Listening Sessions
Four listening sessions are scheduled to gather comments on what farmers, rural landowners, government officials and others think about the state's rule related to the expansion or establishment of larger livestock operations.  The department is required to evaluate the rule after four years and these listening sessions are part of the evaluation process.

Please note that the times of the listening sessions are 3:30 p.m to 7 p.m. except for Dodgeville. The time of the Dodgeville session will be 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. then 7 pm. until 9 p.m. 

• Dodgeville: Thursday, Feb. 18, Dodger Bowl, 321 King Street
• Eau Claire: Tuesday, Feb. 23, Town of Washington Town Hall, 5750 Old Town Hall Road
• Oshkosh: Tuesday, March 2, Winnebago County UW-Extension,  J.P. Coughlin Center, 625 E. County Road Y, Rooms A&B
• Wausau: Wednesday, March 3, Marathon County UW-Extension, 212 River Drive

Press release
Siting Statute and Rule

Tips for commenting on the rule - 4 page PDF
Helpful hints to make your comments count.  The document also includes a list of issues pertaining to the implementation of ATCP 51 and a list of issues that are of concern but are outside the scope of ATCP 51.

Understanding Local and State Regulations for Livestock Facilities - 2 page PDF
An overview of local and state regulations that go beyond the local permits required under ATCP 51 and NR 243 (DNR regulations) for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. 

The Livestock Facility Siting Law consists of a state statute (s. 93.90) and rule (ATCP 51) that change how local governments regulate the siting of new and expanded livestock operations. It establishes procedures local governments must follow if they decide to issue conditional use or other local permits for siting livestock facilities.The statute limits the exclusion of livestock facilities from agricultural zoning districts.  It also created the Livestock Facility Siting Review Board  to hear appeals concerning local decisions on permits.

Effective on May 1, 2006, the rule establishes standards that local governments must follow if they decide to issue local permits.  Local governments must use the application and worksheets in the rule to determine if a proposed facility meets these standards:  

• Property line and road setbacks
• Management plans
• Odor management
• Manure management
• Manure storage facilities
• Runoff management

Local governments regulate livestock facilities through ordinances.  The siting statute affects local ordinances that require conditional use or other similar permits, but does not affect other ordinances such as shoreland and floodplain zoning.  

Local Ordinances with Siting Requirements
This interactive web mapping tool shows local zoning and licensing ordinances that incorporate the state siting requirements. 

Local Ordinances Incorporating Wisconsin’s Livestock Facility Siting Law - Interactive Map
Use this interactive web map to identify if a local government has a zoning or licensing ordinance that requires permit approval to expand or build a new livestock facility. Local governments (mostly counties and towns) have the option to require a “siting” permit.  Ordinances that require a siting permit must follow the requirements of the Wisconsin Livestock Facility Siting Law and Rule (s. 93.90 and ATCP 51).

This interactive map is intended for general use to help you learn:

• If a local government requires a permit
• The animal unit (AU) threshold at which a permit is necessary, and
• Contact information for local officials who can provide additional information about how to obtain a permit

This map is only as accurate as the information provided to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and may not be all inclusive. This map does not identify other local, state and federal regulations applicable to livestock operations. It only identifies whether a livestock facility siting permit is required by a local ordinance. Users should contact local governments to confirm current and specific regulations.

Open the web map application by clicking here, https://datcpgis.wi.gov/livestock 

Technical assistance may be available to help applicants complete the worksheets and local governments evaluate applications.  DATCP also provides fact sheets and training to help implement the law. 

DATCP is required to monitor implementation of the law and provide reports to the ATCP Board.