Accomack Board approves zoning variance concerning reactivation of abandoned poultry houses

Pictured: Poultry houses, courtesy of At Altitude Gallery.

Following a public hearing on Wednesday night, the Accomack County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance concerning poultry facility operations. This amendment mandates that any poultry operation that has been inactive for over two years must obtain a special use permit if it seeks to deviate from the updated setbacks or minimum lot area standards.

Prior to this decision, the Accomack County Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 10, where it voted unanimously to recommend the approval of the amendment to the Board of Supervisors. This step reflects the Commission’s support for updating regulations that govern poultry operations in the area.

In addition to the poultry ordinance amendment, the Board approved another extension of the performance period between Accomack County and SBC Enterprises. This extension will allow the company to provide child care services until December 31, 2024. SBC Enterprises has requested additional time to resolve ongoing issues at their facility.

The latest extension was specifically needed to address a necessary roof repair. Once the repairs are completed, the company will continue offering child care services in the southern part of Accomack County, specifically at Shiloh Baptist Church in Boston.