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Board approves variance for goat shelter on Woods Drive after neighbors report escapes
Summary
The Silver Spring Township Zoning Hearing Board granted variances to Ryan Lengel to build a shelter for Nigerian Dwarf goats at 233 Woods Drive with conditions after neighbors testified that the animals previously escaped and damaged shrubbery.
The Silver Spring Township Zoning Hearing Board unanimously approved variances allowing Ryan Lengel to erect a shelter for Nigerian Dwarf goats at 233 Woods Drive, after neighbors testified about prior escape incidents and the board deliberated in executive session.
Lengel told the board about the goats’ needs and the layout of his Residential District property and asked for relief from setback requirements in Sections 301.17A and 301.17B of the Silver Spring Township Zoning Ordinance. Zoning Hearing Officer Chelsea Leiby confirmed required legal notices were published.
Neighbor Laymond Kennedy of 229 Woods Drive testified that he had seen the goats escape and that they had eaten his shrubbery; he urged that fencing be secured to prevent future escapes. Another neighbor, Purush Rajaram of 521 Hogestown Road, said one or two other properties in the neighborhood keep noncommercial livestock and that animals there have escaped before. Lengel acknowledged one occasion when the goats escaped but said they were quickly returned and said he would ensure the fence was erected and maintained to township standards.
The board convened an executive session for quasi-judicial deliberations and then returned to the record. Chairman Donald Franklin moved to approve the application with conditions; Board Member James Hall seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The minutes record that approval was granted with conditions, and Lengel said he would secure the animals and implement fencing to township approval.
