The Cleveland County Quorum Court discussed concerns Monday regarding the construction of new poultry houses near the Calmer community, where residents have questioned whether the county can intervene.
County Attorney Tiffany Nutt told the court that Cleveland County currently has no ordinances regulating the location or construction of poultry houses. As a result, the county has no legal authority to stop or regulate the project.
According to Nutt, the county would first need to establish a planning and zoning commission to develop land-use regulations. Any proposed policies would then require approval by the quorum court before becoming county ordinances.
She also noted that any future regulations would not apply to poultry houses that have already been built or are currently under construction.
The discussion stemmed from concerns raised by Calmer resident Homer Greenlee, whose home is located near the new poultry houses under construction along the west side of Highway 63, south of the M.L. Wilson Road intersection.
Greenlee told county officials he is concerned about potential odors and possible health impacts because he suffers from breathing problems.
The issue has been brought before county officials previously. During the quorum court’s June meeting, Greenlee’s daughter, Janet Kimsey, raised concerns about the potential effects poultry houses could have on nearby residents, including odors, dust, ammonia and surrounding property values.
During Monday’s discussion, Nutt also explained that many poultry houses under construction are financed through government-backed loan programs that require environmental impact studies before construction can begin.
Greenlee also said he was unaware of any public notification before construction started and questioned whether regulations address ownership of poultry operations.
Nutt said many recipients of the government-backed loans are U.S. citizens of foreign descent.
Following the discussion, the quorum court took no action.
The poultry houses near Calmer are the second proposed development along the Highway 63 corridor in eastern Cleveland County within the past year to generate public concern.
Earlier opposition centered on a separate proposal for poultry houses near the Ryburn Road and Highway 63 intersection, where residents raised concerns about nearby homes and the proximity to Woodlawn School.
