09-14-1989 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

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.. SCU89-005/Report Page 2 little maintenance. They further indicated that Emu's are hardy birds which are not prone to disease and also that the birds make very little noise. This appears to corroborate the information contained in the applicant's development proposal (See Exhibit B). Staff found the birds at the Underwood facility to be docile and friendly. The pens and sheds at this facility, although configured somewhat differently, appear to be very comparable to those proposed by the applicant and completely adequate to maintain the birds in safe and healthful manner. Analysis: As noted in the background section of this report, the applicant's property is an approximately five (5) acre tract. It therefore qualifies as a "Large Lot Residential" tract. A review of the applicant's start up and long range development plans (See Exhibits C & D) indicate that bird pens are to be setback over one hundred fifty (150) feet from the front property line. This places the pens well behind existing homesites and adjacent to pasture area (See Exhibit E). The proposed pen layout therefore appears to conform with City ordinance. The applicant does not indicate the number of birds which he ultimately intends to house on this property. Although the Zoning Ordinance does not directly limit the number of fowl which may be kept on a given tract, it is within the Commission's scope of authority to impose such a limit as a special condition. This is an issue which the Commission may wish to address. While the amount of information staff has been able to gather regarding Emu's is admittedly rather limited, everything learned so far indicates that the birds are not unduly dangerous. They also appear to be hardy animals who, if properly cared for, will not pose a health hazard for humans or other animals. The conditions which staff would ask the Commission to consider are as follows. 1. A maximum of property at one time. Emu's shall be housed on this 2. No other type of livestock shall be housed on this property without prior approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission. 3. Facility shall comply with La Porte Ordinance #1358 and its future revision or amendments.