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.  

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.