Lee County requires a Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) before issuing a building permit on any parcel split after the date of March 1, 1998. The LESA scoring system was created to protect Lee County's prime farmland from development.
Scoring System
The LESA scoring system is prepared by the Soil and Water Office and the Zoning Office. If the LESA scores over 224, the parcel of land is considered prime farmland and restricts the Zoning Administrator from issuing a building permit. The LESA system is also required for rezoning land and new subdivisions.
Report
Review the Lee County LESA Report (PDF) for more information.
Contact
If a LESA is required, call the Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District at 815-857-3623, ext. 110.