Item 5: Ordinance on Urban Animal Keeping Standards

Home Browse Search

One of the issues raised in testimony to City Council pertained to the limitation to two categories of animals for development sites comprising less than 20,000 square feet. Staff originally proposed that there would be no limitation on the animal categories, just the number of animals allowed in each category. However, the Planning Commission recommended that it be limited to only two categories of animals. Additionally, the proposed limitation on the number of chickens, rabbits, and domestic fowl under six months of age was raised in testimony. While staff proposed no change to the current code (which does not limit the number of animals under six months of age), the Planning Commission recommended that it be limited to a maximum of six chickens, rabbits, and domestic fowl under six months of age. Testimony was also received regarding a desire to have an increase in the number of goats, rabbits, and bee hives allowed in each animal category for development sites less than 20,000 square feet. Following the public hearing, Councilor Poling requested additional information on sanitation and licensing. As part of this code amendment process, staff considered whether additional requirements were needed to address any potential impacts to the stormwater system or open water ways. It was determined that the existing waterside protection and water quality overlay zones prohibit animal waste in or near the protected waterways, riparian areas, and adjacent wetlands. Similarly, dumping wastewater into the stormwater system is prohibited and regulated by the current Eugene Code in 6.446. The animal keeping codes from other cities varied whether or not they had a licensing program. Historically the need to enforce the farm animal standards has been low. Over the last two years an average of 24 complaints were received, mostly relating to roosters. Although the new standards increase the allowable amount of animals, the proposed standards clarify current code and strengthen compatibility standards. At this time, staff does not anticipate the need for a licensing program, but recommend re-evaluating this based on community feedback. The attached draft ordinance (Attachment B) represents the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Further details regarding the Planning Commission’s discussion, along with a complete set of record materials, are available for review in a binder located at the City Council Office and on line at www.eugene-or.gov/farmanimals. Findings in support of the amendments are included as Exhibit A to the ordinance. The ordinance and findings, with any directed changes, will be utilized in the event that the City Council votes to approve the proposal upon finding that it complies with the applicable approval criteria. RELATED CITY POLICIES Findings addressing consistency with related City policies, including provisions of the Metro Plan and applicable refinement plans, are included as an Exhibit A to the draft ordinance. As noted above, these are also consistent with the City of Eugene Food Security Scoping and Resource Plan and support a strategy in Envision Eugene under the Climate Change and Energy Resiliency pillar S:\CMO\2013 Council Agendas\M130211\S1302115.doc