State bill halts urban farm animal work

Proposed state bill that would set conditions assigned to committee.

Pending state legislation has West Carrollton city planners suspending further research into allowing farm animals in residential areas.

Pending WEST CARROLLTON — state legislation has city planners suspending further research into allowing small farm animals in residential areas.

But West Carrollton officials still are asking residents to weigh in by taking a short survey on the issue, which has been discussed in several area cities, Beavercreek, Dayton and Huber Heights among them.

Ohio House Bill 175 would allow — but limit the number of — small livestock in a residential backyard based on overall acreage and the type of animal. The bill would also set conditions for the small livestock owners to follow.

“If it’s adopted, it wouldn’t matter what we do,” West Carrollton City Manager Brad Townsend said. “It would pre-empt all of our (requirements) — as it’s written.”

Townsend said the bill — which has been assigned to the House Agriculture and Rural Development — is opposed by the Ohio Municipal League.

Meanwhile, West Carrollton residents are being asked to give their thoughts on permitting “urban livestock” in areas other than agricultural and some industrial districts.

The city has posted a survey on its website. Aside from seeking the community’s interest, the short questionnaire also seeks feedback on what animals should

be allowed and under what conditions.

“In fairness, I think a survey would be a very posi- tive way getting feedback from some people who may not realize that they can’t have them,” Councilwoman Leanne Nash said.

“And this would give them an opportunity to realize what some of the problems are ... and give the populace a chance to respond back,” she added. “Because what one person may think is OK” may not sit well with their neighbors.

The survey is limited to West Carrollton residents only. It can be accessed through Jan. 24 at www.westcarrollton.org/ urban-farm-animals-survey/.

Residents without access to the internet can call 937- 847-4634 to answer the questions by phone or request a mailed survey.

The questionnaire is “not necessarily a scientifically valid survey, but it will give a sense” of public attitudes, said West Carrollton Planning Director Greg Gaines.

Gaines said he began looking into the issue at the request of a West Main Street homeowner who appealed a city-issued citation for maintaining ducks as pets in coop. Had that instance not occurred, Gaines said he would have likely researched the issue because “it’s been trending around the country — Ohio included.”

One community — the Cincinnati suburb of Amberley Village — that was part of the city’s research permitted “domesticated chickens” in May 2012 legislation.

The village noted several cities — including Cincinnati and some of its suburbs.