Planning commission reviews zoning amendment to allow wild‑game processing facilities

Fauquier County Planning Commission members on Jan. 16, 2025 reviewed a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment to permit “wild game processing” — the processing, cutting and packaging of non‑domesticated animals harvested in the wild — in specified industrial zoning districts with new operating standards.

Planning staffer Ms. Marsh told the commission the amendment, which was initiated by the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 14, would add a definition and special standards. “Staff has proposed a definition of wild game processing to include the processing cutting and packaging of non domesticated animals harvested in the wild including but not limited to deer, bear, wild boar, elk, squirrel, rabbit, and wild birds,” Marsh said. She added the proposal “would not include keeping or slaughtering of animals and therefore would not require the large parcel size of the agricultural abattoirs and as such the proposed use aligns more closely with the industrial category uses than the agricultural use categories.”

The draft would place wild‑game processing in the industrial category with a parcel‑size distinction carried over from the county’s existing abattoir rules: parcels up to 4 acres would be permitted with a special permit in the Industrial Park and Industrial General zoning districts; parcels larger than 4 acres would need a special exception. Staff said the use would not be appropriate on parcels under 4 acres in the RA (rural agricultural) or Village zoning districts because of proximity to neighboring property owners. Marsh told commissioners staff is also proposing additional standards drawn from other use categories — for example, kennels and major home occupations — because the existing industrial standards “would not encompass all that’s needed for a wild game processing only facility.”

Commissioners asked for clarifications about how the proposal fits with existing permit categories and with nearby residences. Commissioner Karen Herbert asked, “Where would there be residential in industrial?” Marsh replied that properties in RA or Village zones could be adjacent to residences and that some residences may predate industrial zoning in I‑1 or I‑2 areas. Marsh said staff will bring a public‑hearing draft back to the commission next month.

The commission’s discussion at the Jan. 16 work session focused on the proposed definition, parcel limits, and the additional operational standards staff recommends. No final action or formal recommendation was recorded at the work session; staff will prepare a draft ordinance for public hearing and return to the commission for decision-making.

The amendment originated with the Board of Supervisors, and staff noted next steps will include a public hearing and a formal text amendment process that could involve public comment and revisions prior to any board action.