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Henry County amends land‑use code to create rules for animal sanctuaries, rehabilitation facilities
Summary
The Board approved an amendment to the Unified Land Development Code adding a conditional‑use category and standards for animal sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers, including minimum site size, buffers, fencing and inspection requirements tied to state and federal permits.
Henry County commissioners voted Oct. 21 to amend the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) to add definitions and supplemental standards for animal sanctuary and rehabilitation facilities, creating a new conditional‑use classification and a two‑step review process.
Planning staff said the change addresses a legal and regulatory gap: the county lacked a defined land‑use classification for sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers, forcing ad hoc interpretations. The amendment adds a definition (Appendix A) for facilities operated by nonprofits or similar entities for lifetime care, rehabilitation or sheltering of domestic, wild or exotic animals where animals are not bred, sold, traded or used for commercial entertainment; educational programs and limited public visits are allowed as secondary activities.
The new supplemental standards (section 4.03.0.37) recommended by staff include: conditional‑use approval within RA zoning outside subdivisions; a 5‑acre minimum site area; at least 300 feet of road frontage; a 100‑foot undisturbed perimeter buffer; a solid 6‑foot privacy fence along property boundaries; soundproofing for animal housing; design standards consistent with commercial development; and ongoing inspections tied to the appropriate state or federal agency. Staff and animal control clarified that county animal control would inspect domestic animals, while exotic wildlife inspections fall to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as applicable.
A public speaker, Allison Hedgecock, told the board she intends to open a wildlife rehabilitation center that would accept native wildlife and certain reptiles and parrots and provide education and sanctuary services; she said she holds a companion-animal shelter license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and receives periodic inspections. The board also heard questions about enforcement, the definition of exotic animals, and whether 5 acres would be sufficient depending on the species. Planning staff said the conditional‑use process and site‑specific conditions would allow the board to require larger acreage or additional safeguards on a case‑by‑case basis.
Why it matters: the amendment provides a clear county framework for siting and conditioning sanctuaries and rehabilitation facilities, while tying care and inspection authority for exotic or wild species to state and federal agencies. The board adopted the amendment after a public hearing and discussion about buffers, fencing and the limits of county inspection authority.
