The Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee voted to approve changes to the states zoning laws. It has become an issue in relation to a number of large dairies, feedlots and chicken production facilities being proposed in eastern South Dakota. The bill (HB1201) would change the way conditional use permits and zoning changes are approved by counties.

In testimony before the committee, Ray Epp, who farms near Mission Hill, says it’s important to make changes for the future of agriculture…

 

Katie Overvaag, who lives near Parker, opposed the bill, saying the changes in the bill are unclear as to who makes the decisions over large feeding units…

 

Representative Mark Mickelson of Sioux Falls, one of the prime sponsors of the bill, says it is an effort to help counties make tough development decisions…

 

The bill passed out of committee on a seven to two vote, and now heads to the Senate floor. It had previously passed in the House.