Planning board votes to advertise draft AFO ordinance with 300‑animal threshold, 20‑acre minimum and setback rules
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Summary
After months of committee work, the board voted to advertise a draft animal feeding operation (AFO) ordinance for a Feb. 4 public hearing; the draft borrows IDEM standards, proposes a 299/300 total‑animal threshold, 20‑acre minimum lot size for larger operations and a range of setback and notification requirements.
Kosciusko County planning members voted to advertise a draft animal feeding operation (AFO) ordinance for public hearing after a multi‑month committee review and stakeholder input.
Staff and committee members described the draft as built from IDEM regulations and examples from neighboring counties and said it includes new definitions, larger setbacks, site‑plan requirements, a premise‑registration requirement and notification to neighbors when operations meet the draft threshold. The draft does not replace state oversight; staff repeatedly noted that IDEM, the state chemist and local health agencies retain jurisdiction over specific environmental and public‑health issues.
A key numerical element under discussion was a single total‑animal threshold intended to distinguish homestead or hobby operations from larger commercial operations. Committee members said the draft uses a threshold of not more than 299 animals (i.e., the ordinance would apply to operations of 300 animals or more across species) and also recommends a minimum 20‑acre parcel size and options for setback reductions under certain conditions. Supporters argued the threshold protects 4‑H and small homestead keepers while subjecting larger operations to additional setbacks and site‑plan scrutiny.
Speakers representing industry and producers told the board they supported measures that spread barns and strengthen setbacks to reduce disease risk. Cody (Creighton Brothers) and Luke Tusing (Maple Leaf) said increased setbacks and lot‑size rules give the county a better chance to manage avian influenza and other disease spread. Chad Tucker (Tucker’s Golden Beef) praised the half‑mile setback and 20‑acre minimum as ways to prevent high concentrations of animals along county roads.
On a motion to advertise the draft for a February 4 public hearing, the board voted in favor. Members emphasized the draft is a starting point; staff and committee members said the ordinance can be amended after advertised hearings and public comment.
Next steps: staff will advertise the draft AFO ordinance and the board will hold a public hearing on Feb. 4; after public input the ordinance can be revised before any final county action.
