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Board grants waiver allowing roof over existing feedlot holding pen; DNR approval still required
Summary
After an applicant explained the request to put a roof over an existing loading/holding pen without increasing the facility footprint, the board approved a local waiver of separation‑distance requirements; the Iowa DNR remains the final authority for permit approval and any head‑count changes.
Carroll County supervisors voted to approve a waiver of separation‑distance requirements requested by Tim Pens, who sought county approval to place a roof over an existing cattle loading/holding pen.
Tim Pens stepped forward and said the facility was built in 2007 and that the structure’s footprint would not change: "we are asking to possibly put a roof over that just for convenience and be able to work inside when...weather is not favorable, but we're not adding anything in size or anything, just putting a roof over the existing pen that's there." He explained the pen is part of the established loading and receiving operation and that neighbor Brandon Roberts and his wife signed a waiver.
Board members questioned manure handling, whether trucks load off the public road and potential impacts of increasing the permitted head count. Pens described manure bays at the south ends of the barns and said they do not stockpile manure but haul it out promptly. He stated trucks back into the site and loading does not hinder traffic.
Staff explained the Iowa DNR requires the county’s action first and that the DNR retains final approval authority on permits and any requested adjustments to permitted head counts. The DNR’s separation‑distance rule contains an exception (cited as chapter 65, paragraph 1072) that allows local authorities to waive separation distance for thoroughfares when the local road‑maintaining entity agrees.
After discussion a motion to approve the waiver was moved, seconded and carried. The board and staff emphasized that Pens still needs to submit the permit to the DNR and that the DNR has the final decision on any changes to the facility’s permitted capacity.
