Wicomico Co. proposes stiffer regulations on poultry houses

Putting more distance between poultry houses and regular houses, requiring buffer areas filled with vegetation and minimum width for driveways leading up to poultry houses, all are included in new legislation introduced Monday night at the Wicomico County Council Meeting.

County council John Cannon said the new legislation is step in the right direction for the county.

“I think where we are today is a very good compromise as far as what’s needed in order to make sure that these poultry houses of the future will fit within the surrounding community,” Cannon said.

Back in March the county council agreed that the existing zoning regulations regarding poultry houses needed revising, the updated legislation reflects that. 

The legislation extends the distance between a poultry house and a residential area from 100 ft. to 200 ft.. 

However the proposal also calls for more distance from ventilation fans based on concerns that the fans release pungent odors. 

Under the legislation there would be a minimum of 500 ft. between any residence and fans facing away from the dwelling. 

If the fans face toward the dwelling a minimum of 600 ft.

The proposal also calls for vegetative buffer which would be three staggered rows of plants to provide visual screening from the houses. 

County planning and zoning director Jack Lenox  believes residents will be pleased with the changes.

“We’ve taken their input, we’ve incorporated it and with the introduction this evening it’s a good step forward, we’re looking forward to the next public hearing cause its not over yet, but I think it is heading in the right direction,” Lenox said.

The public hearing is set for Thursday August 23 at the 6 p.m. in the Midway Room  at the Wicomico County Civic Center.