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Council gives staff direction to draft zoning changes to allow livestock on vacant AR-3 and AR-5 parcels
Summary
Council asked staff to proceed with draft amendments to the Paradise Municipal Code to allow livestock on vacant agricultural-residential parcels via administrative permits, expand the private stable definition, allow ag buildings with use permits and adopt an animal-management plan to set care standards.
Susan (Community Development Director) presented a package of proposed zoning amendments intended to enable fuels-reduction and managed grazing on larger vacant agricultural-residential parcels. The proposals would allow livestock on vacant lots in the AR-3 and AR-5 zones through an administrative permit, broaden the definition of "private stable" beyond horses to general livestock sheltering, allow ag buildings on those parcels with a use permit, and establish an animal management plan by resolution to set minimum standards for fencing, manure control, shelter, water and feeding.
Susan said the amendment is narrowly targeted: existing residences with animals would not be affected; the change is only for parcels without a permanent residence where livestock would otherwise be prohibited by the current requirement that livestock be associated with a dwelling.
Key compliance and cost points in the staff presentation: the administrative permit fee for livestock is $352.14 and runs with the land (no renewal). Ag buildings would require a higher-level use permit and building permits under the California Building Code; structures subject to building permit would also need to meet local WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) fire-code standards. Susan noted short-term grazing (60 days) would remain unaffected by the amendments.
Public comment reflected both support and requests for clarification. Art Collier endorsed using grazing animals to reduce fuels and said the changes would benefit the town. John Romagna asked for clearer fee and permit-level details in staff reports, noting use permits can range widely in cost and requirements; Susan agreed staff will provide concrete fee/permit-level examples in the next stage. A commenter asked whether temporary grazing or adjacent lots owned by the same owner would be covered; Susan said the 60-day temporary grazing remains allowed and staff would evaluate how to handle adjacent lots and lot-merger issues.
Council members clarified that private stables themselves would remain permitted by right (building permit required) and that the administrative permit would apply to livestock use on vacant parcels. Staff said proposed amendments would proceed to the planning commission with detailed text amendments, and the commission would return a recommendation to council. Several council members thanked staff for outreach and clarification and indicated consensus to proceed.
Direction: staff will draft formal code amendments, develop the animal-management resolution and present the packet to the planning commission for public hearing and recommendation before the council considers introduction of ordinances.
