Lee County zoning staff and committee members discussed proposed text amendment 25PC80, which would change how residential districts address farm animals and livestock, and voted to forward the measure to the planning commission for public hearing.

Alice, the zoning presenter, told the committee petition 25PC80 would amend the R1 district to restrict numbers of farm animals and the R2 district to allow limited animals such as chickens. Alice said the amendment would “mirror what the city of Dixon is currently doing” for chickens: a limit of six birds and no roosters.

Committee members raised questions about animals that do not fit common categories, such as alpacas or llamas, and whether the code should include an “other” or “exotic” category. One committee member said adding an “other” catchall would help cover species the ordinance might not expressly enumerate; another suggested administrative discretion to evaluate unusual requests on a case‑by‑case basis. Alice agreed to research definitions and prepare language before the hearing.

The committee clarified petitions 25P1647 (Donald and Annette Early seeking a zoning change to allow a horse) and 25P1649 (JW King Limited Family Partnership seeking Ag1 rezoning) would not be decided at the meeting; no action was taken on those petitions and they are expected to return next month. The committee voted to move 25PC80 to the executive committee for inclusion on the August county board agenda; the motion passed with all present voting aye.

Why it matters: the amendment would change allowable animals in residential neighborhoods, affecting homeowners, small hobby farms and neighborhood character. Members discussed the Farm Nuisance Act and the need to avoid spot zoning near municipalities; Alice said she would refine definitions and consider administrative review language.

Ending: The planning commission will review the text amendment; staff said they will publish hearing notice after finalizing proposed language and definitions.