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Caroline County adopts emergency amendment to agricultural processing setbacks
Summary
The Board of Commissioners enacted an emergency bill (LB 2025‑008) that narrows the setback for flour/feed/grain packaging and milling in rural districts from 500 to 200 feet and confirms a 500‑foot setback for commercial slaughtering and processing.
Caroline County commissioners enacted an emergency ordinance on Aug. 19 to amend section 175‑34 of the county zoning code addressing agricultural and fishery products processing plants.
The amendment, introduced July 22 and heard at a public hearing on Aug. 5, changes two provisions: it reduces the minimum setback for flour, feed and grain packaging, blending, storage or milling from 500 feet to 200 feet from all lot lines when those activities are permitted in the R (Rural) zoning district; and it clarifies that any commercial slaughtering and processing of farm animals, fish or seafood must be located at least 500 feet from all lot lines.
County Attorney Stuart Barrell presented the bill at third reading and noted that because it was introduced as an emergency measure it took effect upon enactment: “This bill was introduced on July 22 with the first reading. The public hearing was held on August 5. And to my knowledge, we did not receive any public comment on that. And we are scheduled today, for the third reading and the potential enactment. As this is, an emergency bill, it would become effective today if it is passed.”
A commissioner moved to adopt Legislative Bill 2025‑008, a second was given, and the board voted in favor; the clerk announced, “Ayes have it.” The transcript does not record individual roll‑call votes. The measure was enacted immediately as an emergency bill.
What changed
- Flour/feed/grain packaging, blending, storage or milling: minimum setback in R district reduced from 500 feet to 200 feet from all lot lines when the activity is allowed. - Commercial slaughtering and processing: required to remain at least 500 feet from all lot lines.
Next steps
Because the ordinance was enacted as an emergency measure, it is effective immediately. The county clerk will publish the enacted text and the code will be updated to reflect the amended section 175‑34.
