The issue of whether Central Soyfoods will be permitted to operate out of a rural Douglas County home was left undecided at Wednesday’s County Commission meeting, but it looks as if the small food production company is facing an uphill battle.

Douglas County commissioners postponed their decision to grant Central Soyfoods a conditional use permit by four weeks to seek a clarification of zoning regulations from the county’s legal counsel.

But regardless of what comes of that clarification, the permit does not appear likely to receive the commission’s blessing. Neighbors of the proposed production site — along the 1100 block of East 1500 Road — collected enough petition signatures to force a unanimous approval by the three-person commission.

After hearing the concerns of seven neighbors and one lawyer who spoke at the meeting, commissioner Jim Flory, Third District, made it clear he is not likely to approve the permit, although he could still be persuaded otherwise. About 20 members of the public attended Wednesday’s meeting.

At issue with the zoning regulations are several bits of legalese that are unclear as to whether conditional use permits can be granted for a specific kind of property — like the one at East 1500 Road — known as a “vested parcel.”

The proposal by Central Soyfoods, which is currently located at 710 E. 22nd St. in Lawrence, involves moving its production equipment and operating out of the structure at East 1500 Road, which was previously used as a residence.

David Millstein, one of the company’s owners, said it employs four people, produces 2,000 pounds of tofu and tempeh weekly, involves minimal traffic for distribution and has no plans on expanding its business.

“We don’t have visions of grandeur here,” he said.

Neighbors who spoke at the meeting continually referenced concerns of the company growing and its compatibility with a residential area. Several argued that a commercial enterprise in the area would lower their property values.

Flory noted that Central Soyfoods is a company that is “good for the community” but said neighbors had a point on the location’s appropriateness.

“I don’t think community-wide interests outweigh the neighbors’ very serious concerns,” he said.

However, commissioner Mike Gaughan, First District, said that while the commission should hold off on a decision until regulations can be clarified, he’s more partial to Central Soyfoods.

“I don’t perceive the day-to-day operation of the business as a nuisance,” he said. “I’m inclined to support this.”

The commission will revisit the matter on Nov. 19.