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Albany County amends zoning to define livestock production, make ranchettes conditional use
Summary
After public comment and extended discussion about fencing, notice and grandfathering, county commissioners approved amendments to the Albany County zoning resolution that define livestock production and require fencing or conditional‑use review for "ranchet" properties in certain districts.
Albany County commissioners on Tuesday approved amendments to the county zoning resolution that define "livestock production and grazing," set standards for fencing and change how ranchette properties are treated in some residential districts.
The board voted to add definitions and to require that livestock kept where the principal use is not livestock production be fenced or otherwise enclosed; the amendments also make some ranchette uses subject to conditional‑use review rather than allowed by right.
The changes grew out of state statutory language and a lack of local definitions, county planning staff said. David, a county planning staff member, told the board the amendments are intended to give clearer guidance to applicants and to planning staff when subdivision reviews and development proposals arise.
The measure drew public comment. Chris, a resident whose property would be affected, said the change would remove a previously enjoyed right and shift burdens to property owners, and argued the Planning & Zoning Commission should revisit the item because several commissioners lacked background from earlier meetings. "We're actually removing one of the rights from ranchet owners, turning it into a conditional use, which then charges people $750 for a permit," Chris said during public comment.
Commissioners debated statutory history, enforcement and grandfathering of existing operations. Staff said existing livestock operations that predate the amendment would be treated as nonconforming uses and not be forced to stop; the amendment is aimed at future subdivision approvals and clarifying how fencing requirements apply.
After discussion and a friendly amendment to clarify section 9 of chapter 6, the board approved the text changes. The amendment will be incorporated into the Albany County zoning resolution and applied to future land‑use reviews.
The board did not set an implementation date during the meeting; staff said standard procedures for updating county code will follow.
