City Council considers update of Code of Ordinances
A recent inquiry about the raising of chickens on an individual lot in an existing neighborhood has prompted City Council to consider an update to the Code of Ordinances. Council’s proposed action would ban sheltering, maintenance, or keeping of any livestock (horses, mules, pigs, sheep, cattle, geese, ducks, turkeys, chickens, goats or other farm type animals) within the City of Montgomery, with limited exceptions. This action would allow time for the Planning Commission to study the necessary standards for raising livestock and determine if property exists in the City where the keeping of livestock would be allowed and what restrictions, if any, could be implemented for keeping livestock without detriment to neighbors.
Though Home Owners Association (HOA) covenants and deed restrictions differ from neighborhood to neighborhood, most documents restrict any animals left outdoors and restrict the addition of structures built on the lots. In many instances, livestock may not be permissible under these existing HOA regulations.
Other concerns such as animal waste and storm water runoff quality, setback standards, containment options, noise regulations, humane treatment of animals, and the type of farm animals to be permitted were part of the discussion at the Planning Commission meeting on May 18 and will continue to be on its agenda until the Commission formulates a recommendation.
Ordinances require three successive readings at Business Sessions of City Council before passage. Business Sessions of City Council are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. An ordinance becomes law 30 days after passage.