During a recent government meeting, officials discussed two significant rezoning requests submitted by the same applicant, Nathan Bilger. The first request involves an 80-acre parcel located on 10800 South, while the second pertains to a 180-acre site on 1000 South, approximately one mile west of State Route 105. Both requests seek to rezone the land from Agricultural (AG) to Agricultural Reduction (AGP).

The 80-acre site is intended for the future construction of a Class 3 Concentrated Feeding Operation (CFO), which could accommodate between 3,000 to 12,000 animal units. The approval process for this operation is expected to unfold over the winter months. The 180-acre parcel is classified as \"prime agricultural land\" and aligns with recent AGP requests.

The planning commission has recommended both requests favorably, although public comments raised concerns about potential contamination associated with the Class 3 CFO. It was noted that any CFO would require additional approvals from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

Bilger explained the necessary steps following the rezoning, which include submitting detailed building and site plans for permitting. The BZA will review the specific site location to ensure compliance with zoning requirements, including setbacks and environmental considerations.

The meeting emphasized that the current discussion is focused solely on the rezoning requests, not the approval of the CFO itself. The process for a Class 3 CFO is complex, as it is not permitted by right in any zoning district and requires special exceptions. The officials clarified that while Class 1 and 2 CFOs can be allowed by right in AG and AGP zones, Class 3 operations necessitate a more rigorous review due to their larger scale and potential impacts.