A Clarkston woman said she's all for limiting the number of animals allowed in populated areas of Asotin County.

Cara Nuxoll, who lives in the Clarkston Heights, said she's been complaining - to no avail - for years about livestock problems in her neighborhood, and she's glad to see some changes in the works.

"I was really excited to see a new ordinance come out that addresses this," Nuxoll said. "It won't help me because of the grandfather clause, but it will help the whole county as we go into the future because there will be some standards."

Asotin County is in the process of updating several ordinances and accepting public comments on the proposed changes. So far, the portion addressing the number of animals allowed in the Heights, west Clarkston and Clemans Addition is generating the most heat.

Nuxoll said animal owners are meeting and speaking out against the proposed rules, but there is another side to the story that needs to be heard. "People are afraid to stand up in public hearings, but there are landowners who don't think large animals should be on small amounts of land in residential areas. I am hoping they will submit comments supporting the new ordinance."

The problems with having livestock and feedlots in a neighborhood are the odor, flies and blowing dirt, Nuxoll said. She can't open the windows of her house or vehicles because of the dust and smell and it's had a negative effect on property values.

"I've been in this battle for years and years," she said. "It's really frustrating."

When Nuxoll moved to a subdivision in the Heights 16 years ago, there was only one horse, but the number has increased to four next door and one across the street. Under the current code, there are no restrictions on the number of animals allowed in the low-to-medium density residential areas of the county, except on swine.

"We can't barbecue because of the enormous number of flies," Nuxoll said. "We can't enjoy our deck or yard because of the smell, dust and flies. We can't sell our house because of the horrible smell, loose dirt, flies and the situation in general."

Livestock owners have said they oppose the changes because it puts a damper on the animal-friendly nature of the community and is unfair to people who take proper care of their animals. Some don't want the county telling them how to use their land or neighbors trying to change their lifestyles.

At 6 tonight at the Lewis Clark Saddle Club, at the corner of 13th Street and Pound Lane, in Clarkston, livestock owners plan to meet and work on alternatives to the wording and requirements of the proposed zoning.

The issue will go to a public hearing at the county level after the comments are evaluated and a decision is made on what changes should be made.

Nuxoll said she hopes limits on the number of animals on small areas of land is adopted.

"The good thing about the ordinance is it sets standards and you don't have to rely on someone else's common sense. Everyone should have common sense, but they don't. Any Nutter Butter can move in next door and think they should have 30 goats."

Draft documents of the ordinances can be reviewed at the county's Web page at www.co.asotin.wa.us or at the Public Works or Building Departments. The deadline to submit comments under the public works link or to either department is April 9.

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Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264.