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Commission weighs tightening rules for livestock on residential lots
Summary
Commissioners discussed complaints about animals kept on residential lots where owners do not live, and asked staff to consider amending the animal-care/nuisance rules or adding conditions to conditional-use permits to require dwelling occupancy and manure control.
Several commissioners raised concerns Feb. 12 about properties where livestock are kept in residential zones but the owner does not appear to live on site. Commissioners said some lots have horses and other animals but no primary residence, and neighbors raised odor and property-maintenance concerns.
Staff noted that livestock uses are currently regulated as conditional uses and that the municipal animal-control code (Title 5) already contains standard conditions — for example, a note in the meeting that “manure shall be cleaned at least weekly and odor should be controlled” — but that enforcement is complaint-driven.
Commissioners discussed two policy approaches: (1) broaden the nuisance ordinance and other city code to restrict uses on vacant lots before owners establish a dwelling and utilities; or (2) place explicit conditions in the city’s land-use code for livestock conditional-use permits, including requirements that a dwelling be present, minimum care standards, and regular manure removal. Staff said they would draft ordinance language and present options to City Council.
No ordinance was adopted at the meeting. Staff said any proposed change to Title 5 (animal control) or conditional-use standards would proceed to City Council for action.
