A longtime equine property owner urged Findlay officials to exempt historic horse facilities from proposed lot-size limits and to consult local equine experts before finalizing the farm-animal ordinance.

Melissa Humphreys, who identified herself as the owner of a homestead with a barn constructed in the 1950s and purchased by her family in 1966, told staff she maintains a stable that once held 24 horses. ‘‘For nearly 60 years, our family has fed, cared for, and maintained horses responsibly,’’ Humphreys said, arguing the draft 3‑acre minimum ‘‘is not responsible, and it is not a lot tailored to any demonstrable public health or safety concern.’’ She asked the council to ‘‘acknowledge and explicitly grandfather all existing lawful horse facilities and homesteads.’'

Staff responded that grandfathering protections are intended to preserve lawful nonconforming uses if owners provide proof of prior use; Cardano said he would review whether grandfathering should cover the facility capacity (for example, a stable built for 24 stalls) or only the number of animals present when the law takes effect. Feitner said legal questions about nonconforming uses and constitutional concerns would need review.

Humphreys recommended the city remove or revise the 3‑acre requirement, engage equine veterinarians and long‑standing property owners, and tailor any ordinance to actual nuisance incidents rather than ‘‘hypothetical concerns.’’ Staff said they would examine her points and bring recommendations to the Planning & Zoning Committee.