(a) Purpose. The regulations of this section are established to permit the keeping of farm animals in a manner that prevents nuisances to occupants of nearby properties and prevents conditions that are unsanitary or unsafe within the Village of Hebron.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Farm animal" means any domestic species of animal that is typically kept and raised for use as food or in the production of food or in the operation of a farm and is not a house pet such as a dog, cat, or similar animal.
(2) "Coop" and "cage" mean a structure, not necessarily attached to the ground, with a top and sides and designed to provide shelter and protection for small farm animals or birds.
(3) "Enclosure" means a set of walls or fences designed to confine farm animals or birds to a space that is large enough to permit the animals and birds to roam relatively freely in an open yard area.
(4) "Predatory bird" means an owl, hawk, falcon, eagle, or similar bird that feeds principally by catching living prey.
(5) "Similar animal" means any farm animal that is similar to other animals listed in a particular category of permitted animals with respect to impacts on nearby properties, including noise, odors, safety hazards, or other nuisances.
(c) Chickens, Ducks, Rabbits, and Similar Animals. The keeping of chickens, ducks, rabbits and similar farm animals, and cages, coops, and enclosures for the keeping of such animals, shall be governed by the following regulations.
(1) Multi-Family Residential (R5). The keeping of farm animals in the R5 Multi-Family Residential District shall be a prohibited use.
(2) Residential Districts. In all other Residential Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
A. Number. No more than one (1) such animal shall be kept on a parcel of land for each two thousand (2,000) square feet of parcel or lot area. For example, in a standard minimum lot area of 14,000 square feet on a parcel located within the R1 District, this regulation would permit no more than a total of seven (7) such animals.
B. Setbacks. The coops or cages housing such animals must be located exclusively in the rear yard setback of any residence and shall not be located within five (5) feet of the rear lot line. No coops, cages, or farm animals shall be kept in front yard or side street yard areas. Subject to and notwithstanding these requirements, no coops or cages housing farm animals shall be kept in a location situated closer to a neighboring residence than the residence on the lot or parcel on which the coops or cages are located.
C. Prohibitions. No roosters, geese, predatory birds, or turkeys may be kept in any Residential District.
D. Coops and Cages. All animals shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof coop or cage or other shelter that is thoroughly ventilated, designed to be easily accessed and cleaned, and of sufficient size to permit free movement of the animals exclusive of areas used for storage of materials or vehicles. The total area of all coops or cages on a lot shall not be greater than thirty-two (32) square feet for up to six (6) animals. Coops and cages, singly or in combination, shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.
E. Enclosures and Fences. Chickens and other birds shall have access to an outdoor enclosure adequately fenced or otherwise bounded to contain the birds on the property and to prevent access by dogs and other predators and providing at least ten (10) square feet of area for each bird.
(3) Non-Residential Districts. In zoning districts other than the permitted Residential Districts identified above, and specifically excluding R5, all regulations applicable for chickens, ducks, rabbits, and similar animals shall apply except that the number of such animals shall be limited to one (1) animal for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of lot area.
(d) Goats, Pigs, Sheep, Equine, Alpacas, Llamas, Bovine, and Similar Animals. The keeping of goats, pigs, sheep, equine, alpacas, llamas, bovine, and similar farm animals, and stables and enclosures for the keeping of such animals, shall be governed by the following regulations:
(1) Residential Districts - R1 through R4. Goats, pigs, sheep, equine, alpacas, llamas, bovine, or similar farm animals shall only be kept on parcels of land equal to or greater than two (2) acres in the R1 District,. Such animals must be located exclusively in the rear yard setback of any residence. For a parcel that is at least two (2) acres in area, a maximum of two (2) such animals may be kept on the property, with one (1) additional animal permitted for each additional one (1) acre of area. Stables or other enclosures for such animals shall not be permitted in front yards or in side street yards and shall be set back at least forty (40) feet from any street and from any property and shall be set back at least one hundred (100) feet from a dwelling on another parcel or from the permitted placement of a dwelling on an adjoining vacant parcel.
(2) Non-Residential Districts. In zoning districts other than the permitted Residential Districts identified above, and specifically excluding R5, goats, pigs, sheep, equine, alpacas, llamas, bovine, or similar farm animals shall only be kept on parcels of land equal to or greater than two (2) acres in area. For a parcel that is at least two (2) acres in area, a maximum of two (2) such animals may be kept on the property, with one (1) additional animal permitted for each additional one (1) acre of area. Stables or other enclosures for such animals shall be set back at least forty (40) feet from any street and from any property and shall be set back at least one hundred (100) feet from a dwelling on another parcel or from the permitted placement of a dwelling on an adjoining vacant parcel.
(e) Vacant Lots. Farm animals shall only be kept on lots occupied as a full-time residence by the property owner. Farm animals are expressly prohibited on any vacant lots and/or within any vacant buildings as defined by Chapter 1165.
(f) Sanitation and Nuisances. Farm animals shall be kept only in conditions that limit odors and noise and the attraction of insects and rodents so as not to cause a nuisance to occupants of nearby buildings or properties and not to cause health hazards. Furthermore, farm animals shall not be kept in a manner that is injurious or unhealthful to the animals being kept on the property.
(g) Farm Animal or Bird Noise. It shall be unlawful for any person or other party operating or occupying any building or premises to keep or allow to be kept any animal or bird that makes noise so as to habitually disturb the peace and quiet of any person in the vicinity of the premises.
(h) Slaughtering of Animals. Chickens, ducks, rabbits, and similar small animals may be slaughtered on site only if for consumption by the owner-occupants of the premises. No other farm animal may be slaughtered on site. Chickens, ducks, rabbits, and similar small animals must be slaughtered indoors and in a manner that limits odor, the attraction of insects or rodents, does not cause a nuisance, and does not create a health hazard. Waste disposal must be completed in conformance with the applicable water and sewer provider and the Licking County Health Department.
(i) Application for Permit and Review. A proposal for the keeping of farm animals is subject to approval by the Community Development Coordinator as follows:
(1) Contents of Application. The application for a Permit to keep farm animals under this section shall contain as a minimum:
A. Name, address, and phone number of the applicant(s) and representative(s) if any, and the signature of the property owner(s).
B. Proposed purpose for keeping farm animals on the applicant's property, including but not limited to farming needs, food production, slaughtering, and/or for keeping as pets.
C. A statement indicating whether any business open to the public will be conducted in conjunction with the proposed keeping of farm animals, including whether any home occupation has been approved for such purpose.
D. The Community Development Coordinator may require a current survey of the property prepared by a licensed surveyor.
E. If any new construction of a cage, coop, or enclosure is proposed, a plan drawn to scale showing:
i. Actual dimensions of the lot, including easements.
ii. Exact size and location of all buildings and structures on the subject lot.
iii. Any proposed new construction and/or alterations.
iv. Existing and intended use of all parts of the land or buildings.
v. As applicable, proposed landscaping and other site design treatment shall be indicated where required under Chapter 1155 (Landscaping and Screening).
vi. A fee, as established by Village Council, shall be paid by the applicant at the time of application to cover the costs of reviewing and reporting of the application. See Section 1105.03(b).
vii. Such other information to be determined by the Community Development Coordinator and/or Planning and Zoning Board as may be necessary to determine and provide for the enforcement of this Zoning Ordinance.
(2) Review and Issuance of Permit. No farm animals shall be kept on any property under this section unless and until a Permit shall have been issued by the Community Development Coordinator. The Community Development Coordinator shall issue a Permit once he/she is satisfied that the proposed keeping and use of farm animals and any proposed associated structures conform with all requirements of the Planning and Zoning Code, subject to approval of the Planning and Zoning Board when requested by the Community Development Coordinator. Such Permits shall expire after four (4) years, requiring renewal via a new application meeting all requirements of this section. Subject to the Community Development Coordinator's review and discretion, Permits shall immediately expire and require renewal prior to expiration of the 4-year period if any of the following occurs: additional farm animals beyond those approved in the original Permit application are discovered on the property, inspections of the property reveal that use of the property for the keeping and harboring of farm animals exceeds or conflicts with the purposes approved in the original Permit application, and/or the Permit holder fails to disclose important information necessary to approval of the original Permit application.
(j) Penalty. Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
(Ord. 11-24. Passed 4-10-24.)