Sheila Edwards points out the proposed location for the chicken houses behind her home off Airport Road in Dalton.

DALTON, Ga. — One man’s plans to put chicken houses on what is now pasture along the north right of way of Ridge Road received a setback Monday night.

The Dalton-Whitfield Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denying John Ridley’s request to rezone 27.02 acres to general agriculture from rural residential. Chicken houses cannot be placed on property zoned residential.

Several members of the audience erupted in applause after the planning commission vote.

The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners is expected to make the final decision on the request when it meets on Feb. 13.

“It’s not over until the fat lady sings,” said Ridley after the planning commission vote.

During the meeting, Ridley described how the chicken houses would work and said the impact on neighboring property owners would be minimal. But several people who own property near the site said they feared the impact that chicken houses would have on their quality of life, their property values and their health.

“He’s going to literally put it right behind our house,” said Ernesto Lua. “I would be 200 yards, maybe less, from where he wants to put them. I’ve invested my future in my home and I would not like to see this.”

Dan Lovingood said he was “very pleased” with the commission’s recommendation.

“I hope the Board of Commissioners will act on that recommendation,” he said.

Planning commissioner Deanna Mathis made the recommendation to deny the request. In addition to the concerns raised by neighbors, she said she was concerned that rezoning the property would create an “island” zoned differently than surrounding property.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Lynn Laughter spoke to several of those who came to the meeting after the vote, letting them know that the planning commission’s vote is not binding and that the Board of Commissioners will have the final vote.