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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Urban Goat-Keeping Meeting Date: February 27, 2012 Agenda Item Number: C Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Mike McKerrow www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5288 ISSUE STATEMENT This work session provides an opportunity for the council to review and discuss the City’s land use code as it relates to goats and other micro-livestock. BACKGROUND Eugene’s land use code is an important part of creating, protecting and improving the quality of life in Eugene. The code provides farm animal standards which regulate goats and other animals. The standards are designed to allow some animals associated with agricultural uses within the urban growth boundary while limiting impacts on adjacent neighbors. The farm animal standards (Section 9.5250) allow goats in agricultural and low density residential zones on lots 20,000 square feet or greater. On these large AG or R-1 zoned parcels of at least 20,000 square feet, one goat is allowed for every 5,000 square feet of property. This means any property large enough for goats according to the current Eugene Code may have four goats (20,000/5,000=4 goats). Larger properties may have additional goats at a ratio of one goat for every additional 5,000 square feet, but never on less than 20,000 square feet. There is no limit to the number of goats if the necessary 5,000 square feet of acreage exists for each goat. The farm animal standards also require fencing, proper sanitation and setbacks from property lines and adjacent dwellings for any structure providing animal shelter. There is no distinction in the code between miniature and other types of goats. The farm animal standards also apply to other large animals, including cows, horses, sheep, emus and llamas. Permit and Information Center staff receives several inquiries a year about how goats are regulated. The City rarely receives complaints about goats. Staff has recently reviewed a sample of other jurisdiction’s regulations on goats. Ordinances generally identify the specific type of animal allowed and the maximum number allowed depending on zone, lot size and performance standards.  Springfield allows two pygmy goats on low-density residential lots of at least 20,000 square feet. One additional pygmy goat is allowed for each additional 10,000 square feet of lot area. Sanitation and enclosure standards also apply. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M120227\S120227C.doc