Estacada council approves first reading of ordinance updating animal code

The Estacada City Council voted to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2025-003, which amends Title 6 (Animals) of the Estacada Municipal Code to clarify definitions and update rules for livestock and poultry within city limits.

City staff said the ordinance is part of a municipal code cleanup that bundles several small updates for efficiency. Melanie explained staff selected an "easy chapter" to start the monthly codification process and recommended using the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) definition for livestock to avoid ambiguity.

Council members asked whether the changes would immediately affect any properties. Staff said the changes are generally less restrictive in some cases and help resolve ambiguities — for example, clarifying allowable animals on larger annexed parcels so a five-acre lot would not be subject to the same limits as a smaller residential lot. Melanie said the update also fixes a recent situation that had raised neighbor concerns and potential public-health questions, and the revised language will give staff clearer enforcement tools if a similar problem recurs.

A motion to approve Ordinance 2025-003 passed on a voice vote. The council recorded the motion and a second; members voted "aye" and the mayor declared the motion passed. Staff said the ordinance will return to the council for a second reading at the next meeting.

Ending: The ordinance will be on the next meeting agenda for second reading; staff and council members said the updates are intended to provide clarity for residents and code enforcement.