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Board reviews Local Law No. 2 (2025) on agricultural animals; planning board sought clarification on acreage measurement
Summary
Grand Island Town Board discussed Local Law No. 2 of 2025, which regulates agricultural animals and how acreage is measured for backyard versus front yard; planning board recommended counting only backyard acreage and suggested a public hearing may be needed.
The Grand Island Town Board discussed Local Law No. 2 of 2025, a proposed local law addressing agricultural animals and how property acreage should be measured for permitted numbers of animals.
Board members reported that the planning board reviewed the draft and recommended clarifying that 'backyard' acreage — the area behind the house — should be counted for the purposes of animal limits rather than including the front yard. Planning-board members told the town that front-yard acreage should not be counted because animals are typically kept at the rear of properties.
The planning board also raised questions about measurement methods (minimum required front yard versus actual built location) and whether applying different definitions would materially change permitted areas. Board members discussed practical issues including irregular lot dimensions and the administrative burden of requiring surveys to determine usable backyard acreage.
Board members agreed the change was reasonable in principle and discussed whether the adjustment required a public hearing; one member said the board should hold a public hearing. The supervisor indicated the board would confer with counsel and possibly schedule a public hearing. The item remains under discussion and appears to be routed back for clarification of language and definitions before final action.
