Orange County planning panel recommends denial of special-use permit for large livestock operation in Rhodesville

The Orange County Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of a special-use permit requested by Steven Siegel to keep multiple livestock on a 1.8-acre property at 25355 Lafayette Drive in Rhodesville.

Kira Davis, a planner with Orange County, told the commission that Siegel had applied for SUP 202400314 to allow 23 goats, four sheep and two cows on the property and that staff recommended a more limited allowance (—the owner shall be allowed to keep either one cow or six goats—) with conditions, including that feeding and waste locations be at least 100 feet from neighboring wells and the stocking limit be restricted to one USDA animal unit per acre for the fenced area.

The application drew multiple neighbors to the public hearing who said the animals have already affected their quality of life. Donna Harpold, who identified herself as living at 25343 Lafayette Drive, said she had submitted a written letter opposing the permit and told commissioners she…