07-19-07 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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Staff Report September 20, 2007 Domestic Livestock Backe:round: City Council has directed the staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider the land ratio with the number of animals allowed per acre in La Porte. The purpose is to justify the provisions of the current ordinance and clarification. Currently two grazing animals are allowed per acre and an owner must have two acres. The question becomes should the City allow 'is acre increments to allow 3 or 4. Staff analyzed the situation, researched, and checked with the neighboring cities and presented this item to the Planning and Zoning Commission at their July 19, 2007, meeting, for discussion and further guidance to Staff for possible changes to the Code of Ordinances relating to the keeping of domestic livestock in La Porte. Existine: Reauirements: Current ordinance (Section 106-742) allows two grazing animals (cows, horses, hogs, sheep, goats etc.) per acre. Analvsis: Staff s research shows that neighboring cities ordinances contain provisions which regulate livestock operations in agricultural and conservation zones, and prohibit the keeping of livestock in residential zones. Some cities have different requirements for different types of animals. Keeping of the horses is undoubtedly the predominant domestic livestock use in La Porte. In a rural/large lot residential zoning district, single-family dwellings are the most predominant use. Research shows that two animals per acre is general rule and does not account for the type of grazing animal. The following concerns must be considered with respect to the keeping of livestock: · Animal waste management, storage, usage, and disposal · Health risks · Animal escaping and running at large · Treatment and housing of animals · Erosion and sedimentation control . Vehicular access . Noise · Odors . Water pollution · Lighting and fencing