03-17-1994 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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o • Page 3 of 5 Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes of March 17, 1994 A motion was made by Inge Browder to grant Preliminary Plat approval of the Ropes and Rolexes Subdivision and to have the developer provide a letter of authorization from Rolex for the use of their name. The motion was seconded by Howard Ebow. All were in favor and the motion passed. VII. DISCUSS POSSIBLEAMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCE 1501, SECTION 10-300.10 WHICH ESTABLISHES THE TYPES OF A1'JIMALS CONSIDERED AS DOMESTIC LIVESTOCK. Mr. Harrington stated that during the February 14,1994, City Council meeting there were two (2) citizens who addressed the Council regarding the Zoning Ordinance's lack of recognition of pot-bellied pigs as pets. Under the current Zoning Ordinance they would be considered swine and classified as livestock. City Council has requested the Planning and Zoning Commission bring them a recommendation as to whether or not the Ordinance should be changed. • Mr. Harrington reviewed staffs report with the Commission. He stated that after careful consideration of the issue, staff recommends that no change be made to the Zoning Ordinance for the following reasons: • It would be inherently unfair to distinguish pot-bellied pigs from other members of the swine family as well as other livestock animals for consideration as pets. • The problems created by the animals, including noise and animals roaming at large. • The inability of the staff to determine or distinguish between pot- bellied pigs and other swine. • It could possibly create deed restriction violations in many subdivisions which in turn would put a burden on homeowners to enforce. Vickie Barrow, who resides at 9030 Western Lane in Baytown, spoke to the Commission. Ms. Barrow currently cares for approximately 22 of these pigs and would like the Commission to consider an ordinance change that would allow pot- belliedpigs ~~s pets. She distributed reference material to the Commission which she felt might help them make a decision in favor of the pigs. Ms. Barrow brought with • her to the meeting, her own pig for everyone to see. She listed some of the