NEWLIN: Controversial new ordinance passed to regulate horse farms

Over the vehement objections of the equestrian community, the Newlin Township supervisors on Oct. 13 passed an ordinance that will regulate equine operations and boarding facilities.
As they have at meetings in August and September, residents turned out in force to object to the proposal, telling the board that the rules would jeopardize their livelihoods and would put at risk the township's rural character and lifestyle by placing undue hardships on horse farm owners. They asked the board to postpone its vote until the more contentious provisions are resolved.
The new ordinance allows the boarding of horses as long as the farm in question meets certain requirements. If the farm falls short, however, the owners, if they want to operate legally, will have to apply for a special exception from the township's Zoning Hearing Board. The township charges $1,500 to hold such a hearing.
After hearing the residents' comments, the supervisors explained why they support the new ordinance. The board chair, Janie Baird, explained that the rules were based on other townships' regulations (some were rejected as too restrictive) and had been approved by the township and county planning commissions. She said she has two horses and a pony herself and made extensive efforts to reach out to members of the horse community to discuss the ordinance. She also said that the current zoning on the books was stricter, requiring all boarding operations to obtain a special exception from the zoning board, although the rules had never been enforced.
Supervisor Bill Kelsall said the new rules "are not about shutting anybody down. It's about getting people legal."
Supervisor Rob Pearson mentioned the risks of not having sufficient township rules in place, recalling that a landfill was built in the township back in 1980 before zoning was enacted. He said that the supervisors must represent the whole township and speculated that the majority of the township residents were at home watching "Monday Night Football" rather than speaking up at the meeting.
The board then voted unanimously to approve the new rules, and Mrs. Baird said to the audience, "We love you all."