Sweetwater board to refer livestock ordinance that removes permits and keeps 300‑foot rule to July agenda

The Sweetwater Board of Commissioners discussed a draft livestock and animal ordinance that removes a separate permit process but retains a 300‑foot separation requirement between livestock and neighboring residences, staff said. The board agreed to place the ordinance on the July agenda for first reading.

The draft, presented in workshop discussion, would drop the existing permit provision so property owners who keep goats, cows or other livestock would be required to meet a 300‑foot distance from neighbors to be permitted to keep those animals. Staff and board members clarified that other sections of municipal code governing animals at large, sanitation and noise would remain in effect. One board member noted that enforcement would be complaint‑driven rather than proactive enforcement by staff.

Participants raised questions about scope and edge cases: whether the word “swine” would apply to indoor pet pigs, how calling ducks are handled, and whether any currently permitted animals would be grandfathered. Staff said they had received three to five calls about ducks in the last month and had handled loud “call ducks” under the noise ordinance rather than through the livestock provision. The board discussed a pending appeal of a revoked permit for an individual referenced as Chance; staff said the appeal should not be affected by removing the permit requirement going forward.

Board members also discussed practical enforcement constraints. One member noted city permitting and assessment workloads and that complaints typically trigger an investigation rather than routine inspections. Staff said in most past cases neighbors resolved issues before cases reached city court.

The board directed staff to add the ordinance to the July meeting agenda for a first reading. Next steps include formal consideration at that meeting and any public hearing or revisions the board directs.