Johnston council approves animal-keeping overlay for 6.36-acre property; neighbors raise traffic, manure and avian-flu concerns

The Johnston City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 11-33 to add an animal-keeping overlay to 6.36 acres on the north side of NW 50 Fifth Avenue, allowing horses and other large animals with limits, while neighbors at the meeting raised concerns about traffic, manure disposal and avian influenza.

Dave (planning staff) presented the application and described the overlay's allowances and limits: the ordinance permits larger agricultural animals such as horses, bovine, sheep and goats with cumulative quantity limits tied to lot size, and also allows smaller animals (poultry, rabbits, pigeons) subject to specific limits and setback and maintenance requirements. Staff said the overlay is consistent with adjoining properties to the west and south where an animal-keeping overlay already exists and recommended consideration.

Eric Cannon, representing the applicant Chris Christiansen (who was not at the meeting due to a health issue), told the council that the applicant intends to build a home on the property and requested the ability to keep animals. Cannon…