Apple Valley planning commission backs pig ordinance with 25-pig conditional cap

The Apple Valley Planning Commission on Jan. 8 recommended that the town council adopt a new pigs ordinance establishing a 15-pig limit by right on agricultural lots and allowing conditional-use permits for up to 25 pigs.

The vote came after a resident urged the commission to allow a small allowance for “feeder pigs” on 5–10 acre parcels and after commissioners debated where to draw the line between homesteading and commercial operations.

Colton Lender, a resident of Apple Valley, told the commission he supports limited backyard pork production and urged flexibility for families and 4‑H or stock‑show participants. “I think it's a very healthy conversation to have about the sustainability of our, lives here in Apple Valley and our way to to be able to remain here in the issue that there's food shortages in the future, which is a very real possibility,” Lender said. He proposed language that would permit up to three feeder pigs on lots between 5 and 10 acres so long as the animals were not breeding stock kept year‑round.

A staff presenter described how the draft ordinance had been adjusted since the previous meeting, including polling local residents and lowering the numeric limits. The presenter said the draft sets a default maximum of 15 pigs (one per acre on 10‑acre agricultural lots) and allows conditional‑use permits that could authorize larger numbers; the planning commission amended that conditional‑use ceiling from 40 pigs down to 25.

The staff presenter described enforcement steps and penalties if animals become a nuisance: neighbors may file a nuisance complaint to the town; staff will attempt informal resolution through phone contact and a written warning, and persistent violations could be fined and ultimately lead to revocation of the right to keep pigs. “If they're cooperative, get it under control, tell the whoever's complaining is satisfactory, great. If not, if they're not cooperative, we'll hit them with fines. And it's a thousand dollar fine per day up to. And, I know certain people, I mean, I'm gonna pay Bubba. We put a lien on their property,” the staff presenter said.

Commissioners debated what number constitutes a commercial operation. One commissioner called 40 pigs “a pig farm,” while others said some flexibility is appropriate for homesteading and for owners who might sell a small number of animals. Commissioners discussed allowing small numbers of pigs on 5–10 acre parcels under conditional‑use review but several said they wanted to wait for additional research before changing acreage thresholds.

The draft includes a 500‑foot setback requirement from property lines for pig enclosures and other standard sanitation and welfare requirements, and it specifies that at least one transient lodging unit in a separate agenda item (Gooseberry Lodges) must be handicap accessible (that requirement was discussed in a separate site plan item). The staff presenter also noted that health‑department approvals will be required for on‑site facilities where applicable.

After discussion, a commissioner moved that the planning commission recommend adoption of Title 10.41 (the pigs ordinance, O‑2025‑O1) with a revised conditional‑use cap of 25 pigs instead of 40. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; the commission recorded three ayes with two members absent.

The commission also recommended related amendments to the agricultural zoning code (Title 10.1020A, O‑2025‑O2) and to the conditional‑use permit rules (Title 10.07.09, O‑2025‑O3) so that the conditional‑use authority can be used to authorize higher pig counts under specified conditions. Those recommendations likewise passed and will be forwarded to town council for final action.

The planning commission emphasized that the changes are intended as a starting point: commissioners repeatedly said limits can be adjusted later if enforcement experience or public feedback indicates change is needed. Several speakers asked staff to do additional research on how smaller (5–10 acre) parcels function near residential subdivisions before the commission recommends allowing pigs by right on those lots.

Town council will receive the commission's recommendation and may adopt, amend, or reject the ordinance and the related zoning changes.