Hearing slated for zoning laws

One measure would prohibit livestock and farm animals other than chickens in certain subdivisions

For the second time in two years, Perry Township trustees are considering a zoning amendment regarding the keeping of typical farm animals in certain subdivisions.

Last year, trustees approved a zoning amendment that allowed residents in designated subdivisions to raise chickens, as long as certain conditions were met.

On March 12, trustees will conduct a public hearing on a newly proposed zoning amendment that would prohibit raising other livestock or farm animals in recorded subdivisions that have at least 15 lots, with each lot required to be 1 acre or less in size.

The hearing will be held at 6:45 p.m. — 15 minutes prior to the start of trustees’ regular meeting — at the township Administration Building, 3740 Center Road.

During the hearing, members of the public are invited to comment on three proposed zoning amendments, including one on keeping livestock or farm animals in subdivisions. The township’s Zoning Commission held

Horses, mules, cattle, moose, elk, bison, sheep, goats, swine, and alpacas, are some of the animals that would be forbidden.

its own public hearing regarding these suggested rules on Feb. 13, before voting to send the proposals to trustees for further action.

The proposed amendment regarding livestock and farm animals would be added to Section 301.4 of the township’s zoning resolution, which addresses special provisions applicable to residential districts.

Along with declaring that keeping farm animals and livestock is prohibited in these areas, the proposal states examples of the forbidden creatures include “horses, mules, other equine, cattle, moose, elk, bison, sheep, goats, swine, alpacas, llamas and captive deer.”

Regarding the appearance of bison, elk and moose to the list, the Zoning Commission stated, in a Feb. 18 memo to township trustees, “The (commission) did not think that many people would consider raising these animals in a subdivision, but saw no reason not to add them.”

Township trustees on Sept. 25 approved the new rules for keeping chickens in select subdivisions, and less than a month later, the township Zoning Commission began discussing regulations for raising livestock and other farm animals in these same areas.

When trustees hold their public hearing, they’ll also seek input on two other proposed amendments sent to them by the Zoning Commission.

One proposal is to add definitions for public, private and commercial schools to the township zoning resolution. This suggestion was made by the Lake County Planning Commission, according township Zoning Commission minutes.

Another proposed amendment is to repeal requirements for a minimum distance to separate a main building and accessory building in agricultural and residential districts. A second revision in this same amendment would increase the allowable sizes for accessory buildings on lots over 1 acre in size in the same districts.

Perry Township trustees usually do not vote on proposals discussed during a public hearing on the same day as that hearing. Trustee Board Chairman Rick Amos said he prefers giving the board more time to consider the subject of the hearing, especially if members of the public provide input. So it’s likely trustees wouldn’t vote on the three prospective zoning amendments until their March 26 meeting.