Planners simply check zoning policy and, if a proposal is within the rules, dairymen only need building permits to start construction. Merced County scrutinizes plans for dairies only when they are proposed near residences. Environmental studies are prepared and the planning commission makes the final decision. No new dairies, regardless of size or location, are built without approval from planning commissions. First, planners study the impacts on water, air and health, consulting with agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Game and mosquito abatement districts.
Planners then present their findings to planning commissioners who approve or deny the project.
Even so, Kings and Tulare counties are working to tighten dairy regulations. Tulare was close to adding dairy guidelines to its general plan but was stalled when the state attorney general filed two lawsuits against the county over proposed dairies. The lawsuits, now settled, are forcing officials to broaden environmental studies of dairies. Kings County officials say a new approach to dairies is on their agenda. Localized regulations can do it much better.