Local Radar

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Trenton residents say permit issued for chicken farm in spite of zoning

web posted April 13, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Just when Lake Trenton residents thought they were safe from chicken farms Warren Hamilton, of Sand Rock Way in Trenton, said he and his neighbors have received notice that DHEC has approved a permit for a chicken farm on Courtney Road by Rodney Cato. Mr. Hamilton said this was, “in violation of the zoning”, passed by the county council last year. He was seeking a guarantee from the planning commission that they would prevent Mr. Cato from being able to move forward with his plan.

The planning commission would not issue a guarantee, but Zoning Administrator Guy Mueller said the Building Department would not issue a building permit if Mr. Cato requested one. 

The zoning of the Lake Trenton area last summer noted that CAFO’s (concentrated animal feeding operations) were banned in the newly delineated Rural Residential zoning classification passed in an effort to stop Mr. Cato.

However, the county is unable to define a CAFO as only state law and DHEC can make that determination.

Mr. Cato’s operation does not fall under the description of a CAFO due to the number of chickens to be housed. His type of farm would be listed as an AFO (animal feeding operation) thus making his permit allowable even under the current zoning. The current zoning does not address AFO’s.

The zoning itself can be brought into question as it contains a definition that supersedes the state definition and could possibly be overturned  in regards to the provisions of all animal feeding operations one source stated.

The planning commission stated until the matter reaches the local level they could not comment on the situation stating Mr. Hamilton was "placing the cart before the horse".

Mr. Cato was unable to be reached for comment at press time.

The only other business addressed by the commission was the possible reimplementation of county maintenance of less than one mile of Lloyd Road. Victoria Clough asked that the county begin maintaining the section of the road once again. The county abandoned the service in the 1980’s she said.

The planning commission stated they would have to check to see if the county officially turned the road and property back over to the original owner or not and asked County Administrator John Pettigrew to obtain the information and report his findings to them.

Several residents of New Delaughter Drive spoke about road issues and a possible illegal trash and septic issue. The commission instructed them to contact the SC DOT and DHEC to resolve those issues.

With no other business the meeting was adjourned.
 
  

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