Council approves livestock permit for 245 Park Drive and grants chicken permit with 14-day condition

The Manchester City Council approved two separate animal-related land-use requests: a request by Wayne and Nikki Miranda to keep livestock on a 21-acre parcel at 245 Park Drive, and a conditional approval for a chicken permit at 1328 North 4th Street for property owner Eric Basy, who was not present.

Wayne Miranda described the 21-acre property as mostly wooded, bordering a river, and separated from nearby residences. He told the council his family wants to keep ponies and some cattle for 4-H and show purposes, that they plan to preserve trees and install fencing with setbacks from the hospital and clinic, and that the animals would not be visible from nearby properties. "We're in the process of purchasing that property ... it's over 21 acres ... our kids have some ponies and some cattle that we like to show," Miranda said.

Council members asked questions about fencing, setbacks, and visibility. After discussion, a motion to approve the livestock request carried by recorded voice votes from council members present.

On a separate permit for chickens at 1328 North 4th Street, staff reported the property had seven chickens whereas six are typically allowed. The owner, who was not present, had been contacted and the applicant had re-applied. Council approved the permit on the condition that the owner reduce the flock to the permitted number within 14 days; members said the owner was cooperative in the staff review and that the permit should include conditions to ensure compliance.

Both items were approved with council direction that staff monitor compliance and that standard setbacks and animal-control rules be enforced.