2 minute read
Navigating the Poultry Permitting Process
The poultry permitting process can seem daunting and a bit overwhelming, especially if this is your first time going through the process.
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Multiple approvals are required from various levels of government, and the process involves numerous professionals working together, such as attorneys and engineers. Below are some tips to make navigating this process a bit easier.
Permits/plans to obtain and have approved:
1. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems permit (NPDES) 2. Erosion and Sedimentation (E&S) control plan 3. Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) 4. Storm Water Management plans 5. Building permit
In order to obtain a building permit approval, plans must be presented, revised, and then re-presented. These presentations take place at township planning and supervisor meetings, which sometimes only occur monthly. If you do not have everything together or if there are multiple revisions, the process may be delayed an additional 30 days, at minimum. Hiring and working with a reputable engineer puts your best foot forward and increases your ability to achieve an approval in a timely manner. The engineer will attend the local government meetings on your behalf to present your plan. They’ll also work with the local engineer and attorney hired by your township. For a poultry project, a nutrient management plan will also be required.
(Hiring a local consulting outfit with Nutrient Management Planning Certification is required, but may also be available through the engineers working on your specific project. We recommend asking them up front their credentials to make the whole process simple and streamline.)
Typically, to acquire a building permit, a local township or county will require a bond (sometimes called a Letter of Credit) with the owner or business looking to move forward with a construction project. A Letter of Credit (LOC) guarantees the beneficiary (typically the township or county in this case) payment from the borrower. An engineer will develop an Opinion of Probable Cost, which is a dollar value for the E&S control and storm water management plans for a specific project. If an owner or business would be unable to complete the project, these promised funds (LOC) would allow the beneficiary to complete the needed storm water basin, piping, and other material to complete the land development plan, regardless if the end project ever gets completed. This would all be at the owner’s expense.
Working with a reputable consulting team, engineer and lender experienced in the construction process in your county and township will greatly improve the success of your project. Farm Credit has valuable relationships with multiple local consultants, engineers and lawyers in the industry – we’re happy to recommend some options and work with them during the lending process. Reach out to us today with any permitting questions, or to get started on your poultry loan.
