Franklin Co. Commission Approves Poultry House Moratorium

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Franklin County will not be approving any new poultry farms for the foreseeable future.

At a meeting earlier this month, the Board heard a recommendation from Franklin County Planning and Zoning Director John Phillips.

Phillips said there has been an unprecedented number of applications for new poultry farms in Franklin County in recent months and their current poultry farm ordinance is in need of review and revision.

“The Planning Commission as you know has had quite a few request for poultry farms, particularly during this calendar year,” said Phillips. “I think that was highlighted by the fact that you have 32 before you for this actual public hearing tonight. As a result, the Planning Commission has asked for a Moratorium on the acceptance of applications for poultry farms. In essence what that would mean is that Franklin County would not accept applications for poultry farms for the time frame that the moratorium is in place.”

The Franklin County Planning Commission had originally asked to have a six-month moratorium on new poultry farm applications.

However, Phillips said the board has reconsidered that after hearing public comment at a recent work session.

“The Planning Commission would actually be comfortable with a moratorium that would be through the end of March, March 31st, 2017,” said Phillips. “So the Planning Commission is asking that the Commissioners would approve that moratorium, of course, with the option to extend it in March if need be.”

Phillips noted that two applications that have already been submitted will be reviewed under current guidelines.

Franklin County Commissioner David Strickland motioned to approve the three-month moratorium and his motion was seconded by Commissioner Jeff Jacques.

Phillips told the Board that once the changes to the current ordinance are complete, public hearings would be held then a final presentation regarding the changes would be made to the Commission for their consideration and a vote.

After hearing from Phillips, the Board voted unanimously to approve the moratorium.