New GAAMPs are being proposed.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdard/2017_Draft_SITE_SELECTION_GAAMPs_532708_7.pdf
"While these GAAMPs establish basic set-back standards for livestock facilities of all sizes, existing land uses, development patterns, the cost-benefit of an investment in animal housing, as well as the sustainability of farm animal production should all be analyzed before construction of a livestock facility and bringing farm animals to a site."
"Category 4 Sites: Sites not acceptable for New and Expanding Livestock Facilities and Livestock Production Facilities under the Siting GAAMPs. Category 4 Sites are locations that are primarily residential and do not allow agricultural uses by right and are not acceptable under the Siting GAAMPs for livestock facilities or livestock production facilities regardless of the number of animal units. However, the possession and raising of animals may be authorized in such areas pursuant to a local ordinance designed for that purpose. "
"Livestock facilities in Categories 1, 2 or 3 with less than 50 animal units are not required to go through the site review and verification process, and conform to the provisions of these GAAMPs. However, these operations are required to conform to all other applicable GAAMPs. "
Notice that references to Category 4 have been eliminated from the GAAMP. That is where most of us chicken keepers fall. However, buried in the text is a change of set-back from 250 feet to 1000 feet and a notation that one needs written approval from any non-farm resident within an 1/8 mile. In other words, you need written permission from your neighbor(s) for you to keep chickens on your own property. It only takes one to say "no". This action is the latest in the activities of appointed bureaucrats beholden to MDARD, MFB and corporate lobbyists.
Most heinous in this action is that since 2012, MDARD has been violating the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution that assures (guarantees) equal protection of law. I suppose that they recognize this and are attempting to divert attention by changing their name. MDARD is now calling themselves MCARD (Michigan Commission of Agriculture & Rural Development). This is a smoke screen to imply that bureaucracy has the legal authority of state law. Not true, but you and I are losing our rights.
The Ag Commissioners are meeting on November 10. We need to get involved.
. Where did October go?
