Board approves setback variance for Morgan Real Estate feedlot roof project in Black Hammer Township

The Houston County Board of Adjustment voted July 31 to grant a variance reducing the side property-line setback for a proposed roof over an existing open concrete feedlot operated by Morkin Farms LLC (application listed as Morgan Real Estate LLC) in Black Hammer Township, parcel 1029201.

Applicant Tim Morkin told the board the feedlot has existed since the 1960s as an open concrete lot. He said the plan is to place a roof over roughly 80% of the existing concrete pad to reduce runoff and improve animal handling. Morkin said the proposal is not an expansion of animal numbers but a structural upgrade to cover existing pens.

Staff analysis noted the feedlot is a registered operation in an agricultural area and that roofing the open lot would reduce runoff risk. Because the underlying land ownership boundaries changed over time, the proposed building would be closer than the required 50-foot building setback from the adjacent property line. The board considered the county—s finding criteria and determined the project would be an environmental improvement and would not change the essential character of the locality.

The motion to grant a variance of 41 feet to meet the required 50-foot property-line setback passed on a roll-call vote with Ken Anderson, Franklin Hahn, Wayne Runigan, Dean Hoppell and Ken Visker recorded in favor.

Board members and staff emphasized that the concrete will remain in place and the roofing is intended to reduce runoff; the applicants said existing buildings would be used for storage and that the project has been discussed with county staff and the feedlot officer. The approval applies to the setback variance; required building permits and any future manure-management details will continue through county permitting and any state feedlot requirements if thresholds change.