Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Task force debates zoning definitions and animal limits tied to water and sewer service
Summary
Members of the Deer Lodge County Domestic Animal Task Force spent the meeting debating how to classify residential, rural and urban zones—particularly whether connection to water and sewer should determine animal limits and how lot size should affect permitted animals.
Members of the Deer Lodge County Domestic Animal Task Force spent substantial time debating how to define residential, rural and urban zones and how those classifications should determine limits on domestic animals.
Bill Willing said homes in zones 1, 2 and 3, along with recent additions in Anaconda that are connected to water and sewer, should be treated as urban residential for purposes of animal allowances. Michelle Lennon said lot size must be taken into account when setting allowances. Jeffery Miles raised concerns about acreage calculations and potential tax implications if zoning is reclassified.
Ed Beaudette urged the group to prioritize civic standards for animal care and described instances where small-acreage properties are overburdened with animals; Kevin Hart and others flagged enforcement challenges, including feral cats and animal hoarding. David Josephson summarized his countywide assessment process for evaluating animal-related complaints and conditions across Deer Lodge County.
The discussion produced no formal vote on zoning definitions; instead, members agreed to form small working groups to refine zoning recommendations and report back at a future meeting.
