Keeping Goats and Pigs

As you may know, pigs and goats presently may not be kept in non-agricultural zones. Recently interest has grown among people who want to keep these animals, either as pets or to provide milk for their families.  In response to this interest, which is part of a larger movement to encourage urban agriculture,  I have been working on a proposal to revise the present ordinance to allow the keeping of miniature goats and pigs under certain conditions.

Hearing about this proposal, some people have raised concerns about the impact these animals might have on residential neighborhoods.  I understand and share those concerns, and believe the proposed ordinance currently under discussion addresses them.

The proposed ordinance allows for miniature pigs only if they meet the following conditions:

• they are no more than 22 inches at the withers;
• they weigh no more than 119 pounds;
• the females are spayed and males neutered by 6 months of age;
• no more than two are kept at a residence.

Goats are allowed only if they meet a similar list of conditions:

• they are no larger than 24 inches at the withers;
• males are neutered by six  months of age;
• each animal is provided at least 20 square feet of 3-sided shelter and at least 60 square feet of open space;
• no more than six are kept at a single residence.

The ordinance also provides protection for the neighbors from noise and odor.  I believe that with these safeguards in place the ordinance can benefit those seeking to keep goats and pigs without negatively impacting their neighbors.

The proposed ordinance revisions will be discussed at the next meeting of the Council’s Planning and Zoning Committee ,  June 19, 2012 at 1:00 pm in Council Chambers.