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Planners propose allowing pasture-based dairy, poultry and hog operations by-right; confinement to require AUP
Summary
The commission recommended that pasture‑based dairy, poultry and hog operations be allowed by-right while confinement operations should require an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) and possibly state water‑quality permits, with size and scale used as the determining factor.
Commissioners agreed on a two‑track approach for animal operations: pasture‑based activities would be allowed by‑right without a county permit, while confinement operations—because of water‑quality and nuisance risks—should be subject to an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) that could be elevated depending on size. "If it's pasture based, allowed by right, no permit needed period," said Committee member (S3).
Members emphasized that the key triggers are size and confinement rather than species: larger confined dairies, poultry houses or hog facilities raise potential water‑quality concerns and would still need North Coast water board permits. Committee member (S3) and Staff member (S1) noted that the draft code will include size/scale thresholds and a note that other state permits remain required. No final vote occurred; staff will incorporate the AUP language and return to the commission.
