The Smithfield Planning Board voted to recommend that the Town Council adopt a zoning ordinance amendment clarifying standards for noncommercial outdoor animal raising (section 4.4 a-4). The proposed amendment updates permitting standards, clarifies the relationship between the zoning ordinance and the animal-control ordinance, and defines enforcement authority for the zoning official.

Planning staff said the amendment was requested by a council member to provide clearer, more manageable standards that allow for limited backyard animal raising while protecting neighbors from potential nuisances. The draft establishes setback standards (including suggested minimums for coops/structures) and retains special-use permit review where appropriate. Board discussion noted that small-lot or R-20 zones often discourage front-yard coops and that applicants in those districts could pursue a special-use permit to allow an exception after notification to abutters.

The board moved and seconded a positive recommendation to the Town Council; the motion passed as recorded with the chair announcing “the ayes have it.” The recommendation will go to the town council for formal consideration and adoption; staff said the amendment aligns with the comprehensive plan’s stated goals for neighborhood quality and use compatibility.

The board discussed the balance between permitting backyard food production and managing neighborhood impacts and recommended the council consider the special-use process for requests that would place structures in front yards or near property lines.