CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO ORGANIC CHICKEN FEED OR TO LEARN HOW TO RAISE A CHICKEN, GOAT OR LEARN BACKYARD FISH FARMING OR CANNING, PRESERVING, COMPOSTING

Ø     Agricultural uses should be permitted in all zone districts as a principal use by right.  Agricultural uses include the keeping of animals as well as botanical uses.

Ø     Uses and structures that are accessory to an agricultural use (whether the agricultural use is principal or accessory itself) should be permitted in all zone districts, with the only limitations being the maximum total lot coverage allowed in the respective zone districts, location, height, and setback.  There should not be any specific maximum number of accessory structures stipulated.
 

Ø     Hothouses or enclosed gardens should be considered an agricultural use and should therefore be a principal use by right in all zone districts.

Ø     The use of the words "livestock" and "farm animals" should be eliminated insofar as urban agriculture is concerned.  Chickens (hens), goats, lambs, and all other permitted animals should merely be classified as "animals," as these animals are every bit as much family pets as are dogs and cats.

Ø     There should not be any specific limitation on the number of animals that are allowed to be kept (except for dogs and cats).

Ø     Dog houses/shelters and other houses and outbuildings to shelter permitted animals or store feed should be specifically permitted and should be able to be constructed without having to obtain a building permit.

Ø     The current special use permit process for agricultural uses is completely arbitrary and unsustainable.  It should not cost anyone $70 per year in City fees to keep goats or chickens.