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Council adopts zoning change to allow livestock on vacant AR parcels with administrative permit
Summary
Council introduced and approved amendments to Title 17 that permit livestock on vacant AR‑3 and AR‑5 parcels by administrative permit (or by unified development if adjacent to a residence) and added rules for ag buildings and animal management plans.
Town planning staff reopened a public hearing to review amendments to the agricultural residential districts of Town code title 17. The proposed ordinance would allow livestock to be kept on vacant AR‑3 and AR‑5 parcels through an administrative permit and would permit certain ag buildings through a use permit. Planning staff said the change does not alter existing zoning where homes already allow livestock by right; it instead expands options for owners of vacant parcels.
‘‘If you are putting livestock on vacant property and you don't live next door, you'll need that administrative permit at a minimum,’’ staff said, noting the permit would carry conditions such as an animal management plan reviewed by animal control.
Public comment included requests to clarify whether the administrative permit is ministerial (non‑discretionary) or discretionary; John Romali urged the council to explicitly state ministerial status to avoid unintended discretionary review. Planning staff and the planning director said the code defines administrative permits as ministerial entitlements that use fixed standards and criteria rather than discretionary judgment.
Council discussion focused on clarity of permit type, remedies for habitual violations and cost of compliance; the staff noted fees (administrative permit fee and use permit fee) and building‑permit requirements for stables or ag structures. On motion by Bridal, seconded by Cullerton, the council approved the ordinance introduction and associated amendments by roll call (ayes recorded), with staff and council indicating further work would follow to refine implementation.
Why it matters: The change aims to balance rural uses with community concerns (animal welfare, predators, and neighborhood impacts) and creates a permit pathway intended to contain impacts through management plans and conditions.
What’s next: Staff will finalize ordinance language and fee schedules and return required materials for formal adoption steps and implementation.
