Henrietta adopts local law to allow startup livestock farms; board approves one poultry permit with phased limits

The Henrietta Town Board adopted a local law on April 30 allowing startup farms in rural residential districts to seek temporary relief from livestock restrictions through special-use permits, and the board approved a special-use permit for a startup poultry operation at 178 Rush Henrietta Townline Road.

Supervisor Mike Schultz, summarizing the board’s action, said the local law creates a two-year pathway for new agricultural enterprises to obtain farm status under New York State Agriculture and Markets rules. "The idea of this special use permit is to allow someone to get relief for that for two years," Schultz said during discussion of the measure. The local law and the permit are intended to bridge the period between startup and state-recognized farm operations so new operations can begin producing and selling without immediate code conflicts.

The applicant, identified in the public hearing notice as Natra Caderia, described plans for a phased poultry operation. The project is divided into two phases: phase one is limited to a maximum of 144 birds; a second phase, if added, would bring the total to 288 birds. The plan presented at the hearing called for tiered coops and fenced yards, with phase-one construction expected within roughly 45 days after approvals and equipment procurement. The applicant said eggs and live poultry could be sold commercially once applicable state approvals are in place.

The special-use permit was approved with explicit conditions read into the record by the supervisor. Conditions include a maximum of 144 birds per phase (144 in phase one; up to 288 after a second phase if additional coops and yards are built to the approved standards), 60-foot minimum setbacks from the road, 15-foot setbacks from the nearest property line, waste-management practices consistent with New York State Agriculture and Markets guidance, and an expiration date of April 30, 2027 unless the town board extends the permit on request. The resolution also notes that when the property achieves formal farm status under state law, state agricultural rules will supplant town-level special-use restrictions where there is a conflict.

Town staff and board members emphasized biosecurity and neighbor protections. The board required that coop and yard designs be maintained so the property can only accommodate larger numbers if the applicant enlarges the physical infrastructure to meet the conditions. Supervisor Schultz also advised the applicant to obtain required building and fence permits before construction begins.

The vote to adopt the local law and to approve the special-use permit was unanimous recorded by roll call. The permit will not take effect until the local law is filed with the New York State Secretary of State, a procedural step read into the resolution.

The board’s discussion referenced the state’s role: New York State Agriculture and Markets regulates farm status and allows towns to set reasonable setbacks and local conditions while otherwise protecting agricultural uses. Board members noted the intention is to support small-scale farm startups while protecting neighbors’ health and property.

What happens next: The applicant must comply with the permit conditions, secure building/fence permits and follow state Agriculture and Markets procedures to obtain full farm status. The town will monitor compliance and the permit will expire in 2027 unless extended by the board.