07-16-09 Regular Meeting and Public Hearings of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission minutes

Browse Search

Planning & Zoning Commission August 20, 2009 Page 2 of2 Historically, keeping of the horses and other recreational animals are undoubtedly the predominant domestic livestock use in La Porte. Grazing and recreational livestock are defined as follows: Grazing livestock means domestic animals (including but not limited to cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs etc.) that are intended to be pasture animals that can sustain themselves under normal circumstances in concentration defined herein. Recreational livestock means animals (including but not limited to cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs, etc.) that are intended to be housed in a barn or similar structure requiring supplemental feed and care in order to be kept in concentration defined herein. No specific concentration of recreational livestock is established here. However, the requirements of Section 34-126 of the Code of Ordinances shall be applicable. In addition, all domestic livestock shall be restrained by either barbed wire or electric fence no closer than 10 feet from the property that is not devoted to the keeping of domestic livestock. Sue:e:ested Requirements: These requirements would be supplementary to the existing provisions of the ordinance and would apply specifically for Large Lot (LL) district. (1) Recreational livestock is a permitted accessory use kept on tracts of contiguous land (under one ownership) totaling one (1) acre in size or larger. (2) For any pre-existing, non-conforming livestock use, without the required primary structure in existence prior to this ordinance, shall be permitted upon submittal and subsequent City approval. Upon such approval registration form shall be issued to the property owner. (3) Recreational livestock concentration shall not exceed grazmg livestock concentration unless the following provisions are met: a. A barn is provided to accommodate the number of livestock regardless of type in or equal ratio of head and stalls/pens. b. Proper maintenance/care is adequately provided, and c. The site shall be maintained to avoid any public nuisance. ConclusionlRecommendation: Based on the research and prevailing conditions in the area, staff recommends inclusion of the above referenced provisions in the ordinances. Action by the Commission 1. Conduct public hearing 2. Discuss the issues 3. Make a Recommendation to City Council at conclusion of a public hearing.