AGENDA DATE: 10/7/2026
TITLE:
Title
Report on Animal Feeding Operations and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Research
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Presentation of research on Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick, Tevendale, Svoboda
PRESENTER (S): Bart Svoboda, Berkley Group
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Virginia Code ยง 3.2-301 authorizes localities to reasonably regulate farm structures or agricultural and forestry practices within agricultural districts when such regulations are directly related to the health, safety, and general welfare of residents.
On July 15, 2026, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to bring forward a Resolution of Intent to examine whether an ordinance should be developed to regulate intensive livestock, dairy, and poultry operations.
On August 5, 2026, the Board of Supervisors approved a Resolution of Intent directing staff to evaluate the enabling legislation and current zoning practices in other localities related to the potential regulation of intensive livestock, dairy, and poultry facilities.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Safety & Well-being - Nurture a safe and healthy community.
DISCUSSION: To assist with this research, the County contracted with the Berkley Group, a Virginia-based local government consulting firm. The research report includes the following:
Identification of consistent terminology for AFOs and CAFOs, as guided by applicable state and/or federal regulations;
Analysis of relevant Code of Virginia requirements, including the Right to Farm Act and its constraints on local regulation of agricultural operations;
Survey practices, including identification of Virginia localities that have adopted zoning standards specific to intensive livestock, dairy, or poultry facilities; and
Interviews with comparison locality staff and state agen...
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