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BZA approves variance to expand holding pens for processing plant with 40-animal cap
Summary
The board approved a variance to permit expansion of confined feeding pens used to hold animals awaiting processing, conditioned on a maximum of 40 animals and subject to a required state design release before permitting.
The Clinton County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing an expansion of confined-feeding pens at an existing processing site near Colfax, with a condition that the facility hold no more than 40 animals at any given time.
Planning staff explained the operation is a legal nonconforming use that predates the county ordinance. As the facility grows and adds pens, the number of animal units changes the setback calculations; the petitioner reported the expanded pens would be no closer than 370 feet to the nearest dwelling, short of the 660-foot setback required by current ordinance language for the number of animal units. Staff said the requested expansion largely moves pens away from houses but that a variance is required to allow the increased animal count at the current distances.
Staff recommended approval with the condition that the facility not exceed 40 animals; the staff report also warned that if the animal count increases beyond that, the required setbacks would also increase and different approvals would be required. Staff noted a state design release will be required before any building permit can be issued because this is a commercial facility.
A motion to approve the variance (application CC2025-00970, docket 34-25-VA) with the condition limiting the pens to 40 animals was made, seconded, and passed by roll call. The board indicated permitting may proceed once the state design release and other regulatory approvals are completed.
The board’s action authorizes the proposed configuration under the stated animal cap but imposes a clear numerical limit that keeps the project within the advertised variance finding; any increase in the animal count will require additional approvals or a separate variance.
