Commission grants conditional permit for up to 4 cows on 6‑acre parcel despite neighbor concerns

The Texarkana Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit Wednesday authorizing up to four cows on a six‑acre parcel owned by Raymond Paul Taylor.

Taylor told the commission he owns the property, plans to install an approved perimeter fence and that his grandson and family will help care for the animals. “They're going to be just as pets to raise,” Taylor said, describing the animals as noncommercial and indicating the rancher who supplied the calves does so when mother cows reject some offspring.

Neighbor Greg Shumate, who lives next door, opposed the permit and raised several concerns: he said the grandson has driven “real fast” in the area, that prior animals living near the grandson had been removed, and that there is no pond or other on-site water source for cattle. “My opposition is that the fact that mister Taylor is not able to take care of the cows,” Shumate said, adding he feared the property could become the site for other animals in the future.

Commissioners discussed fence requirements, water availability and enforcement. Staff and commissioners noted that the city allows a conditional use permit for livestock where appropriate and that the permit is limited by both number (the applicant asked for four) and by city policy (one animal per acre is the general limit). The commission clarified that the conditional use runs with the property: if animals cease for six months, the conditional use lapses.

A motion to approve the permit for up to four cows was made and seconded; the measure passed by roll call with the commissioners voting in favor. Commissioners noted that animal-care and noise issues fall under law enforcement or county animal-control jurisdictions if complaints arise.

The permit does not require additional Board review and staff will provide the necessary documentation to city records.