Virginia county mulls tougher rules on horse ownership

ISLE OF WIGHT, VA—New horse owners could face stronger regulations if proposed changes to the county’s zoning ordinance are approved.

The proposed changes include requiring new horse owners to work with Soil and Water Conservation District officials to formulate a waste management plan, adjusting the number of horses allowed per acre and requiring a 35-foot buffer zone between the owner’s property line and where the horses will be pastured.

“This basically protects the horse community in residential areas from nuisance complaints,” said Rachel Chieppa, the county’s rural economic development manager.

If approved, the proposed changes would not be retroactive, and “previously appropriately permitted operations” would be “grandfathered,” or considered legal non-conforming uses, Chieppa said. Read More…