Riverwoods planning commission reviews proposed changes to horse-keeping rules

The Riverwoods Planning Commission discussed a staff-drafted text amendment to the village code on Oct. 16 addressing the keeping and breeding of horses after a resident asked to keep two mini horses on a lot in the Riverwood subdivision.

Director Witt told the commission that the village's existing ordinance dates to 1962 and includes a large-lot minimum for keeping equine animals. "A mini horse is essentially a horse that's no taller than 36 inches to the last hair on the mane ... and weigh no more than 350 pounds," Director Witt said, describing the animal the resident seeks to keep. He said the code also treats equine animals to include donkeys and burros, which raises noise and nuisance concerns for neighbors.

The commission discussed how the ordinance treats lot area and easements. Witt said the ordinance's lot-size minimum must be calculated exclusive of roadway easements; after…