(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has officially adopted a land use development code for the county's unincorporated areas.

Commissioners approved the measure on a 2-1 vote during their July 6 meeting. Commissioner Joe Dalinghaus cast the lone dissenting vote.

Before adopting the code, the commission approved a recommendation from County Counselor and County Administrator Austin Parker to add electrical and battery storage facilities to the list of projects requiring a conditional use permit.

The code is intended to protect public health, safety and community welfare while balancing the county's predominantly agricultural landscape with compatible residential and commercial development. It also establishes a permitting process for special land uses to help ensure appropriate siting.

In addition, the code creates zoning districts throughout the county to regulate land uses, building heights and minimum property sizes.

The Nemaha County Planning Commission developed the code with guidance from Parker.