HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem C: Urban Goat-Keeping
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.
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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.
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ATTACHMENTS
A. Eugene Code 9.5250 Farm Animal Standards
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Mike McKerrow, Permit Review Manager
Telephone: 541-682-5288
Staff E-Mail: mike.j.mckerrow@ci.eugene.or.us
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ATTACHMENT A
Eugene Code
9.5250 Farm Animal Standards.
All of the following standards are applicable to farm
animals:
(1) Farm Animals Allowed:
(a) Except as provided in subsection (1)(b) below, up to 2 adult rabbits or
fowl (no roosters) over 6 months of age are allowed in any residential
zone.
(b) Rabbits, fowl (no roosters), cows, horses, sheep, goats, emus, and
llamas are allowed in AG and R-1. There is no limit on the number of
fowl (no roosters) or rabbits over 6 months of age permitted in AG and
R-1 provided they are on a development site that contains at least
20,000 square feet and they meet the farm animal standards.
(2) Sanitation:
Proper sanitation shall be maintained for all farm animals.
Proper sanitation includes:
(a) Not allowing farm animal waste matter to accumulate,
(b) Taking necessary steps to be sure odors resulting from farm animals are
not detectable beyond property lines, and
(c) Storing all farm animal food in metal or other rodent-proof containers.
(3) Fencing:
Shall be designed and constructed to confine all farm animals to
the owner's property.
(4) Setbacks:
All structures that house farm animals shall be located at least 25
feet from all existing residences (except the animal owner's) and at least 10
feet from interior lot lines.
(5) Minimum Lot Size and Area for Large Animals:
(a) Minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet for cows, horses, sheep, goats,
emus, and llamas.
(b) Minimum area per animal over 6 months of age:
Cows, horses: 10,000 square feet
Sheep, goats, emus, and llamas: 5,000 square feet