Residents fine with farm animals

But West Carrollton should impose conditions on ‘urban livestock,’ say most in online survey.

Most West Carrollton residents responding to a survey favor allowing small farm animals in their neighborhoods.

Most West WEST CARROLLTON — Carrollton residents responding to a survey favor allowing small farm animals in their neighborhoods.

But they want guidelines outlining how the city would regulate permitting “urban livestock,” the most popular of which are bees, chickens, rabbits and ducks, according to the city.

Between 250 and 300 valid responses were received by West Carrollton last month to an online survey seeking feedback on whether residents favored expanding areas of the city where small farm animals are allowed.

“The results in general swayed toward yes with conditions,” said West Carrollton Public Relations Coordinator Erika Mattingly.

“But the variety of conditions is what is going to be the challenge,” she added. “How the city comes up with a plan that’s feasible as far as code enforcement is concerned is going to be the biggest challenge.”

Results of the survey, a series of five questions available from Jan. 10-24, are expected to be released and discussed by West Carrollton City Council tonight.

The issue of allowing small farm animals in residential areas has been talked about in several area cities, including Beavercreek, Dayton and Huber Heights. West Carrollton allows them in agriculturally zoned areas and some industrial districts, Planning Director Greg Gaines has said.

The West Carrollton City Council has talked in recent months about researching legislation to allow livestock in neighborhoods. However, it asked city planners to put a hold on that work due to pending state legislation.

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.

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

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.

Had that instance not occurred, Gaines has said he would have likely researched the issue because it is growing in popularity.