Yankton County Commission Chairman Dan Klimisch says he was surprised by the news that four townships were looking at options to leave the county due to the unworkable livestock zoning rules. He says none one has spoken to the commission about any of these issues. That includes the charge that they’re changing the process or threshold for when a conditional use permit is required for animal feeding operations.

He says with the complaints and lawsuits filed they were forced to clarify the zoning ordinance, so every applicant had to get a conditional use permit, not just a building permit. This included the Class F requirements for animal feeding operations from 1 to 299 animal units. However, he says this was on the books 14 years ago.

Klimisch also refutes the accusation that he and the commission are anti-agriculture and anti-livestock.

He says the county zoning rules also apply to operations or businesses beyond just agriculture.