Bellbrook council tables ordinance creating rules for backyard "small livestock" after public concerns

Bellbrook City Council on Monday postponed a vote on Ordinance 2025‑O‑12, a zoning change that would add Section 18.41 to allow the keeping of "small livestock" in single‑family residential areas under a city zoning permit. The council closed the public hearing after extended comment and directed staff to return with amendments addressing transition periods for adding birds, butchering language and whether more than one sheltering structure should be allowed.

The ordinance as introduced requires a zoning permit from the community development administrator and sets density limits by lot size: lots smaller than 0.5 acre — up to three small livestock animals; 0.5 to under 1 acre — up to six; 1 to 2.5 acres — up to 12; and 2.5 to under 5 acres — up to 15. It would require an outdoor, covered, predator‑proof shelter with…