Council asks planning commission to revisit horse limits, recommends one horse per half acre

The Wellsville City Council on Sept. 17 discussed restoring a previously existing horse‑limit code and voted to send the matter back to the planning commission with a recommendation to consider one horse per half acre on residential properties.

City staff explained the existing language that had been omitted during a previous code rewrite: “Not more than 2 horses per acre and 1 additional horse for each additional acre or portion thereof,” and noted the intent is to reinstate an enforceable limit. Council members and several public commenters raised concerns about 4‑H participants, small city lots, dust and the condition of corrals when animals are kept in high density.

During discussion a council member (Carl) proposed allowing one horse per half acre and clarifying counting rules so that a half acre entitles the owner to keep a single horse; other council members said they wanted an explicit, simple standard. Vicki Gates, a resident, urged the council to adopt a code and suggested the half‑acre approach so 4‑H families have options. Diane Roundy, another resident, said many city center holdings keep horses responsibly and urged not to unduly restrict long‑time residents.

After discussion the council voted to send the draft amendment back to the planning commission with the recommendation that the commission consider wording to allow one horse per half acre (and additional animals by half‑acre increments). The motion was seconded and approved.

The council directed staff to return the revised language after planning commission review. The council emphasized the change is intended to provide an enforceable standard to address complaints — not to immediately displace long‑standing operations — and discussed possible grandfathering of existing operations that have maintained licenses.