UPDATED TIME - 5pm. Proposal to add "Custom Exempt Meat Cutting" as a permitted to be heard by Planning Commission

County wide ordinance change proposed and planned to be heard April 24, 2012 @ 5:00 pm.

Our faithful readers will remember the ongoing saga of the meat cutting plant in Liberty.  Last year, the Weber County Planning department approved the business license for Garet Jones to operate a custom meat cutting plant on some family owned land.  Neighbors were upset by the outcome, hired an attorney and requested an interpretation and decision from the State Ombudsman.   Ultimately, the Ombudsman sided with the neighbors and the planning department rescinded the business license.  The Jones' appealed the decision to the board of adjustments, who voted to uphold the decision to revoke the business license.

Now, Garet Jones has proposed an amendment Chapter 5B-3 and 1-6 as a permitted use to add "Custom Exempt Meat Cutting".

From the Staff Report:

The petitioner is proposing to amend Chapter 5B (Agricultural Valley AV-3) Zone Section 5B-3 Permitted Uses Requiring Five (5) Ares Minimum Lot Area, to allow Custom Exempt Meat Cutting as a permitted use and amend Chapter 1 (General Provisions) by adding a new definition of Custom Exempt Meat Cutting. The proposed definition of the Custom Exempt Meat Cutting is as follows: The cutting, wrapping, and preparation of meat for human consumption; provided, however, that the source of meat shall be limited to animals that are part of one or more livestock operation(s) in Weber County, and/or wild game.

The applicant is also proposing two standards for this type of operation, besides being on 5 acres. The first standard is the parcel would have to be located with access to a collector or arterial road as shown by the Weber County Transportation map and the second condition is that the operation needs to be located within a completely enclosed building with no outdoor storage.

You may view the details by visiting the Weber County Miradi.

The Planning Staff is recommending that the planning commission amends the ordinance as proposed.
Staff Recommendations:

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend to the County Commission approval of Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 2012-05 amending Chapter 5B (Agricultural Valley AV-3) Zone Section 5B-3 Permitted Uses Requiring Five (5) Ares Minimum Lot Area to allow Custom Exempt Meat Cutting including wild game, and amend Chapter 1 (General Provisions) by adding a new definition of Custom Exempt Meat Cutting based on the following:

• The use is supported by the General Plan
• The use will allow support and/or supplement a farmer’s agricultural pursuit
• The use is less intense than other uses such as regular daycares, fur farms, contractor equipment storage as part of a farm/farm operator, commercial garden center, and animal hospitals/clinic
• Similar uses are already allowed such as a slaughter house, slaughtering up to 500 rabbits, turkeys, beavers, frogs, and other animals
• Historically found as part of a rural agricultural area 

The conditions for approval:

• The use be allowed in a separate building with no outdoor storage
• The use is to be accessory to a dwelling on a 5 acre parcel
• Located with access to a collector or arterial road

Proposed definition to be added to Chapter 1 (General Provisions) Section 1-6 Definition:

Custom Exempt Meat Cutting: The cutting, wrapping, and preparation of meat for human consumption.

Proposed language for Chapter 5B (Agricultural Valley AV-3) Zone

Section 5B-3 Permitted Uses Requiring Five (5) Ares Minimum Lot Area: Custom Exempt Meat Cutting limited to animals that are part of one or more livestock operation(s) in Weber County, and/or wild game; located with access to a collector or arterial road; the operation be located within a completely enclosed building with no outdoor storage, and as accessory to a dwelling.

This should generate a meaty discussion.  Dig in humble readers!