Council discusses targeted code changes for large-lot small-animal husbandry and food access, asks for focused outreach

Principal Planner Malini Sims led a study-session presentation on possible zoning code amendments related to small-animal husbandry and food access. Staff framed the discussion around large lots (3.3 acres and larger, R144), where farms are already permitted, and described options under consideration:

- Allowing up to a 50% increase in the number of small animals on large lots with neighbor acceptance (using a postcard/notification process similar to minor residential setback approvals); increases above 50% would still require a conditional-use permit.
- Considering a limited allowance for male fowl (roosters) on large lots only (examples from other jurisdictions allow roosters up to four months old before maturity/crowing) and seeking public outreach on that point.
- Permitting small-scale on-site food processing for personal consumption on large lots, while requiring a conditional-use permit for commercial processing or sales.
- Defining and expanding allowances for community gardens, farmers markets, food banks and mobile food pantries as ancillary uses to churches, schools and non-profits and clarifying standards for fencing, lighting and abandonment.

Council discussion focused on geographic variation among R144 lots (some are long-established farm neighborhoods; others are non-agricultural large lots), notification and neighbor-consent mechanics, potential grandfathering of existing farms, HOA authority and overlay-district options. Councilmembers asked staff to conduct targeted outreach to large-lot owners, explore overlay-district mapping for areas where farming is already part of neighborhood character, and return with draft code language after focused community engagement.