Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Commissioners adopt new poultry rule including 200-foot setback after contentious public comment
Summary
The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners approved new language to regulate large poultry operations, including a 200-foot setback and other standards. Supporters said the rules provide needed oversight; opponents said the standards could effectively ban large-scale chicken houses and harm farmers and neighbors.
The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt new regulations for poultry operations on March 10, approving Planning Commission language that includes a 200-foot setback from property lines and other development standards.
The ordinance language was presented by county staff and the Planning Commission as a starting regulatory framework for industrial-scale poultry operations. After debate, the board voted to accept the recommendation without imposing a moratorium on new permits.
Residents and agricultural stakeholders filled the meeting to argue both sides. Greg Bates, a farmer who said he has chicken houses, walked commissioners through the practical effect of a 200-foot setback on parcel buildability. “If you have a square piece of property that’s 20 acres … when you set that back 200 feet off of each property line, you…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
