Title
Agricultural Use Regulations
Brief Description: Staff has prepared background information related to how agricultural uses are currently regulated.
Body
Legislative History
None
Purpose & Explanation
Staff understands City Council may desire to have applicable regulations revisited to be more supportive of small-scale backyard and hobby farms. Based on the direction of City Council, staff is available to study further possible amendments related to agricultural uses.
Staff completed a detailed review of the agricultural use allowances in 2015-2016 due to the increased interest at that time for backyard chickens and hobby farm operations. Staff completed research of peer community regulations and proposed amendments to regulations at that time. The final adopted ordinance reduced the initial proposal/scale to some degree but did provide for backyard chickens and some reduced landscape requirements. (Refer to attached memo)
Timing Considerations
None.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff is looking for Council direction on how they would like to proceed.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Thomas Sheridan, PE, PS, Assistant City Manager - Professional Services
Greg Hannan, Community Development Director