T&D Staff Report

Orangeburg County Council will hold a public hearing tonight for the second reading of a moratorium ordinance related to the placement of poultry houses.

A public hearing on the moratorium will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Stevenson Auditorium in downtown Orangeburg as part of the council's regular meeting.

The issue, which has been one of the most hotly contested brought before county council in recent memory, will be held in the auditorium to compensate for the expected overflow crowds.

Council listened for almost two hours to comments from an overflow crowd mostly opposed to a proposed moratorium during the first reading of the ordinance Aug. 1.

The first reading of the ordinance passed by a 5-2 vote. Councilmen Harry Wimberly and Clyde Livingston voted against it.

Amendments include a setback of 2,500 feet from a residence — instead of the initial 4,000 feet, a moratorium time limit, language to ensure that farmers themselves can live within the setback limitations and to allow those with permits already granted to proceed despite the moratorium.

Three readings are required for adoption of the ordinance, which would remain in effect until the zoning ordinance is adopted.

Poultry industry advocates have asked that the zoning ordinance not impose restrictions that are more stringent than the state's regulations.

Also on Monday's county council agenda:

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