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Council considers allowing targeted grazing (goats, sheep) to clear vegetation; staff to draft code changes
Summary
Councilors discussed a proposed code exception to permit short-term targeted grazing (goats or sheep) to manage vegetation in creeks and public-rights-of-way, and asked staff and the attorney to draft sample language and operational rules for future consideration.
The Marion County Council debated a proposed exception to the city code that would allow short-term targeted grazing — renting goats or sheep — to remove vegetation in creeks, parks and other public-rights-of-way.
"This would be an exclusion to allow targeted grazing, to determine the number of days you would like to do so," Chair (speaker 4) said, noting sample code language he had included and that the county currently does not allow goats or sheep under existing animal-control provisions. He described typical vendor practice: setting a portable electric fence and moving animals through the area until the vegetation is cleared.
Council members raised practical questions: whether vendors stay overnight, how long grazing runs last, whether some events (petting zoos) would be considered exceptions, and whether commercial use should be regulated differently from a homeowner using a vendor just once. Members asked staff to review ordinances from other Kansas communities and consult the attorney to draft a proposed exception that addresses safety, liability and permitted locations.
Next steps: staff and the attorney will draft a proposed code amendment and operational rules for council review, including suggested time limits and permitted locations. No code change was adopted at the meeting.
