Joint governing bodies uphold zoning administrator: proposed Vermillion pheasant operation must seek conditional use permit

At a joint meeting of the Clay County Commission and the Vermillion City Council, the governing bodies voted to uphold Clay County Zoning Administrator Drew Gunnerson’s decision that a proposed pheasant operation near 1700 West Main Street qualifies as a concentrated animal feeding operation and therefore must apply for a conditional use permit before beginning operations.

Gunnerson summarized his written memo to the governing bodies, saying the county had concluded the proposal met the local definition of a CAFO. "We are here tonight to hear the appeal of my decision that Mr. Mansour's proposed pheasant operation is a concentrated animal feeding operation and would have to apply for a permit before he could commence," Gunnerson said.

The ruling matters because it requires a formal review process — including public notice, a planning-and-zoning hearing and possible permit conditions — before the operation can begin. Supporters of requiring a CUP said the review lets the county evaluate public-health, nuisance and floodplain risks; opponents said the requirement would stop a small local business.

Applicant Patrick Mansour described his plans during the meeting. He said he intended to use the site "for egg purposes" and to…