Item C: Urban Goat-Keeping - Laserfiche WebLink

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 Seattle regulates miniature goats (includes pygmy, dwarf and miniature goats) in a category of “small animals” which includes potbelly pigs and rabbits. Any three small animals are allowed on any residential lot. Miniature goats must be dehorned and males neutered. Offspring are allowed until weaned but no longer than three months. Seattle requires an annual license and $30 fee.  Portland includes pygmy goats with the regulation of chickens, ducks, doves, pigeons and rabbits. Residential lots are allowed to have up to three of the animals in this category if they are enclosed, and sanitation is maintained and odors controlled. Having four or more of these animals requires an annual permit, fee and inspections. A variance process is also available.  Berkeley, California allows up to two female goats per lot in most residential areas but prohibits male goats. In 2010, the City Council reviewed the Community Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP) as well as the Food Security Scoping and Resource Plan (Resource Plan). One of the recommendations identified in both documents is to, “Revise Eugene City Code to address urban agriculture and homesteading opportunities.” The Food Security Scoping and Resource Plan has a specific recommendation to increase micro-livestock raising in the City limits. The March 2011 Envision Eugene draft proposal also includes a strategy to, “Facilitate urban agriculture by evaluating and removing barriers in the land use code and permitting processes . . . in accordance with the Food Security Scoping and Resource Plan.” On September 29, 2010, the City Council reviewed the Food Security and Resources Plan. Part of the discussion included the number of chickens allowed by the land use code. The City Council passed a motion to continue suspension of enforcement on the number of chickens allowed on a lot until the land use code could be modified. The performance standards in the code related to odor, sanitation and fencing are still being enforced. Urban goat-keeping is a similar urban agriculture topic. Modifying the land use code has a number of steps including evaluation by both the Planning Commission and City Council with accompanying public hearings. At this time, no revision to farm animal standards is scheduled. However, goats and chickens, along with the regulation of other micro- livestock (rabbits, pot-bellied pigs etc.), will be incorporated into code change proposals as part of Envision Eugene. RELATED CITY POLICIES  Community Climate and Energy Action Plan recommendation  Food Security Scoping and Resource Plan recommendation  Envision Eugene Draft Plan recommendation CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION There is no City Manager recommendation at this time SUGGESTED MOTION There is no suggested motion. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M120227\S120227C.doc