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FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP-Cass County issued 15.7 percent more zoning permits the first half of 2017 compared with 2016, according to Environmental Services Director John Ringle.

The department issued 795 permits this year, up from 670 in 2016, Ringle told the Cass County Board Tuesday night at the board's regular meeting in Fairview Township. Zoning permit fees collected also were up 15 percent.

There were 587 permits issued for new building construction projects and new private sewer systems in 2017, compared with 534 in 2016. Woodrow Township between Hackensack and Longville continued to lead the list of locations for the highest number of permits issued with 30.

The next highest areas for new construction and sewer permits are Sylvan Township in southern Cass (25), Shingobee by Walker (24), Fairview in southern Cass (21) and Wabedo by Longville (20).

There were 49 variances and 12 conditional use permits approved in 2017, compared with 38 and 11, respectively, in 2016.

Shoreland alterations rose from 87 in 2016 to 147 in 2017.

"Handling constituent complaints and working to correct land use violations continues to occupy a great amount of staff time," Ringle told the board, "but we are still able to provide adequate coverage with our current staff."

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