HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM VI-A1T F ~k
Memorandum
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To: Planning Commission
From: Hillary Taylor, Senior Planner
CC: Kevin Snyder, AICP, Planning and Development Director
Date: June 2011
Discussion of a proposed code amendment to allow the keeping of urban farm Re: animals
Background
The City of Auburn, with increasing frequency receives inquiries asking if there are rules
against the keeping of chickens and other urban farm animals on residential properties within
the City limits. Chickens are not currently allowed to be kept on residential properties within the City limits. The exception is within the portions of the city annexed in 2008 and
properties
zoned Residential Conservancy (RC) and R-1 (1 du/acre). Within these areas the, zoning
code regulations were enacted to allow the keeping of farm animals, including chickens and
poultry.
Staff presented this issue to the Planning and Community Development Committee at the
April 25, 2011 meeting. The Committee provided staff with direction to move forward with a
draft amendment proposal that would allow chickens, potbelly pigs, and miniature goats on
residential properties in the City of Auburn and directed staff to draft regulations that would
allow goats to be kept on commercial properties. The Committee expressed a preference for
the regulations in the City of Renton which link the number of pets allowed to the square
footage of the lot. The Committee expressed that roosters should not be permitted.
Discussion
The following discussion is for the possible ordinance amendment to allow different kinds of
animals to be kept on residential properties (RC, R1, R5, R7, R10, R16, and R20}. Staff
proposes to change the definition of "household pet", and to add definitions for "miniature
goat", "potbelly pig", and "domestic fowl". Staff proposes to amend the permitted use table in Chapter 18.07 (Residential Zones) and add a new section to the Supplemental Development
Standards (Chapter 18.31) to include language regulating the keeping of animals dependent
upon lot size. Staff proposes to amend the sections, which contain regulations for specifically
for the Lea Hill and West Hill annexation areas, to remove provisions allowing the keeping of
farm animals in these areas, and referring to the new section under Supplemental
Development Standards.
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Licensing of domestic animals
Staff found in surrounding areas that both pot belly pigs and miniature goats are required to
be licensed in a manner similar to the license required for a dog. The current City of Auburn
regulations pertaining to pets adopt King County Code to govern Animal Care and Control
(Animal control is governed by King County Code Title 11, Animal Care and Control. The
King County Code requires the licensing of miniature goats and pot belly pigs.
Current City of Auburn language regarding pets:
18.04.495 "Household pet" means a domesticated animal of ordinary species that lives, or is
commonly known to be capable of living, within the confines of a residence. Animals
considered to be common household pets included but are not necessarily limited to the
following: dogs, cats, rabbits, indoor birds, small rodents, and fish. Animals not considered to
be common household pets include but are not necessarily limited to the following: horses,
cows, goats, sheep, swine, donkeys, chickens, endangered or exotic species, and any similar
species. Animal control is governed by King County Code Title 11, Animal Care and Control.
Staff proposes adding the following definitions:
Domestic fowl: Domestic fowl includes all species of chickens and geese.
Potbelly pig: Miniature potbelly pigs are that type of swine commonly known as Vietnamese,
Chinese, or Asian Potbelly Pig (Sus scrofa bittatus).
Miniature goat: Miniature goats are commonly known as Pygmy, Dwarf and Miniature Goats.
Proposed language that could be used to draft a policy for Auburn:
The allowable numbers of animals permitted outright, provided the minimum lot size is met,
are detailed in the following table. The specified minimum lot sizes are absolute requirements.
No variances, waivers, and/or modifications under the Auburn City Code may be granted. The
keeping of animals that require lesser lot size is allowed to be cumulative, when lot size
requirements have been met. Licensing of pets and animal control is governed by King
County Code Title 11, Animal Care and Control.
T e of Animal Maximum Number of Animals Permitted yp Outright
Household Pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, 4* per dwelling or commercial building
caged indoor birds, small rodents, non- regardless of lot size. A pet license is
venomous reptiles and amphibians required for each cat or dog.
weighing less than 10 pounds.
Small Lot Domestic Animals: chickens, 4 on lots that are at least 6,000 gross sq. ft. in
ducks, geese, pigeons. size. On lots that are larger than 6,000 gross
sq. ft., 1 additional small lot domestic animal
may be kept per additional 2,000 gross sq. ft.
Medium Lot Domestic Animals: pot belly 2 on lots that are at least 12,500 gross sq. ft.
pigs, and miniature goats that are smaller in size. On lots that are greater than 12,500
than 24 inches at the shoulder and/or not gross sq. ft., 1 additional medium lot domestic
more than 150 pounds in weight. animal may be kept per additional 7,500 gross
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sq. ft.
Large Lot Domestic Animals: horses, 2 on lots that are at least 1 gross acre in size.
ponies, donkeys, cows, standard size On lots that are larger than 1 gross acre, 1 goats, llamas, oxen, standard size pigs, additional large lot domestic animal may be
and roosters. kept per additional 43,560 sq. ft.
*Includes foster animals
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