There seems to be a need for some clarification on the zoning process involved when residents of Bureau County are interested in applying for a permit in order to build a home. Barb Armrein’s (Sept. 21) letter suggests a misunderstanding of a few steps involved in the process.

In November 2011, the Bureau County zoning ordinance was amended, and the zoning regulations were changed. Today, if residents are interested in applying for a zoning permit, there is no longer a reciprocal zoning setback requirement. This means that if applicants have met all the basic requirements for building a new home (an approved entrance, well and septic system, adequate distances from the property lines, etc.), then the applicant will be approved for a permit.

Wind farms have no part in the approval process. Homeowners and wind farm owners are only asked to sign a letter acknowledging that the home is being built within the vicinity of a wind farm. Wind farm owners cannot stop a permit from being approved if the home meets the current zoning requirements.