Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Ordinance Revision topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee begins broad zoning ordinance review covering cemeteries, private burials and backyard chickens
Summary
The Natural Resources Committee discussed multiple proposed zoning ordinance changes, including rules for cemetery expansion, private on‑site burials, and a draft backyard‑poultry section; staff will refine language and return with a consolidated draft for legal review.
The Natural Resources Committee opened discussion on a broad rewrite of sections of the county zoning ordinance, including proposed rules for cemetery expansion, private on‑site burials, backyard poultry and mobile‑home provisions. Staff members said they compiled model language from other counties and will return with a consolidated draft for attorney review and later committee consideration.
Staff said current code lacks clear rules for cemetery expansion and for private burials on private property. Committee members discussed recording coordinates or deed notices for on‑site burials and restricting unmarked graves, and directed staff to gather examples from other counties. One member said some counties limit on‑site burials to family members and some allow only “green” burials; staff noted state law imposes no blanket prohibition and local ordinances define the allowable approach.
On backyard poultry, staff proposed a draft that would regulate coop construction, setbacks and outdoor runs and suggested a cap (the draft listed a maximum of eight chickens per parcel). Committee members debated whether to set a per‑parcel cap, a per‑acre cap, or to avoid a minimum lot‑size threshold. Several members said they preferred not to prescribe a strict minimum lot size and suggested a per‑acre scaling (for example, a stepped allowance by acreage); one member favored a half‑acre starting point for minimal regulation, while others cited examples of city residents keeping small flocks without complaint. Staff said they would remove or revise the draft cap and return with options.
Committee members also reviewed language on mobile homes and conditional‑use permit requirements; members noted the draft would fold these amendments into the zoning ordinance and that attorney review will follow. Staff said they expect to present a consolidated draft for attorney review in September and to bring a final draft for committee review in October.
