Bellbrook council adopts ordinance allowing small livestock on single‑family lots with rules for permits, setbacks and manure

Councilman Logan Ashley presented and the Bellbrook City Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑O‑12 on Aug. 25, 2025, amending Article 18 of the Bellbrook zoning code to add section 18.41, which allows residents to keep “small livestock” on single‑family residential lots under specified conditions.

The ordinance creates a zoning permitting requirement, sets density limits, prescribes animal shelter and setback standards, and forbids commercial sales of animal products from residential properties. The council adopted the ordinance after a public hearing and roll‑call vote; the motion carried on a unanimous vote.

The new section requires a zoning permit before keeping small livestock and restricts the principal use of the lot to a single‑family dwelling. Density limits in the ordinance set a maximum of six small livestock animals on lots smaller than 1 acre and up to 12 animals on lots of 1 acre or larger; the code allows a temporary transition period when changing stock with no more than an additional half of the allowable number for a “reasonable amount of time.”

Sheltering and setback rules are detailed: animals must have an outdoor, covered, predator‑proof shelter that is ventilated, accessible and kept in sound condition; the shelter must allow four square feet per animal. Outdoor structures must be in the rear yard and may not be closer than 50 feet to a residential property other than the dwelling where the animals are kept, and not closer than 25 feet to an abutting property line. Structures and appurtenances for small livestock may not be located in front or side yards.

The ordinance requires feed to be stored in rodent‑proof containers and prohibits feeding practices likely to attract rodents. Animals must be kept in a fully enclosed fenced yard unless attended by the keeper; the code references the city’s existing impoundment provisions (section 6.18.14). Manure must be disposed of by household trash (bagged and placed in a waterproof container), be composted on‑site in rodent‑proof containers located in the rear yard at least 8 feet from any property line, or applied on‑site in a way that prevents nuisance or polluted stormwater runoff. Finished compost may be applied on‑site.

The ordinance states small livestock must be kept for personal or household use only; the sale of animal products such as meat, eggs or fur in a residential district for commercial or regular retail purposes is prohibited. On‑site slaughter and butchering are permitted only out of public view, and all waste must be bagged and disposed of with household trash to prevent nuisance or health hazards.

City Manager Rob explained the zoning amendment establishes a zoning allowance for small livestock and that related amendments to the animal code (Bellbrook Municipal Code chapter 6.18) would follow to define specific animals and enforcement details. A resident who spoke during the public hearing, Aline Buxton of 2229 Creek View Place, thanked the council “for taking time to discuss this over the span of so many meetings” and said the ordinance “looks agreeable” while urging streamlining of the permit/variance process.

The council voted by roll call: Logan Ashley — yes; Catherine Cyphers — yes; Forrest Greenwood — yes; Brady Hardy — yes; Deputy Mayor Ernie Havens — yes; Councilmember [first name Hoke/Hope recorded in roll call] Hoke — yes; Mayor Michael Schweller — yes. The mayor declared the motion carried.

The ordinance includes cross‑references to the Bellbrook zoning code and to Ohio law; during the hearing the text cited section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code regarding open‑meeting compliance. The council directed staff to bring related updates to the municipal animal code back to a future meeting so definitions and enforcement procedures can be finalized.

With adoption, residents who want to keep small livestock will need to apply for a zoning permit and comply with the new site, shelter and waste‑management requirements. The council did not specify a timetable in the adopted ordinance for when staff will present the companion animal‑code amendments.