Large stables, as defined in Article 2, previously authorized by special use ordinance, applicable court order, or court approved agreement, adopted and existing prior to November 21, 2023, are allowed to continue subject to these standards of this section.
A. As of November 21, 2023, pursuant to Chapter 12, “Animal Regulations,” of the Mettawa Code of Ordinances, the maximum number of horses allowed in the Village is limited and therefore no new large stables are allowed in the Village.
B. Large stables legally existing as of November 21, 2023 are considered nonconforming uses and allowed to continue as provided in the special use ordinance, applicable court order, or court approved agreement and subject to the provisions of this section. In the case of conflict, the conditions and restrictions of the special use ordinance, applicable court order, or court approved agreement control over the requirements of this section.
C. Large stables and related structures cannot be altered unless:
1. The alteration is necessary and part of the normal care and maintenance or repair of the existing large stable and existing related structures; or
2. The alteration is required by law or is necessary to restore the structure to a safe condition or protect public safety; and
3. The alteration does not enlarge or intensify the existing large stable and/or existing related structures.
D. Improvements allowed by a special use ordinance, applicable court order, or court approved agreement, approved and existing prior to November 21, 2023 may be constructed and used, and a large stable legally established prior to November 21, 2023 may continue to be used subject to the conditions and restrictions of the special use ordinance, applicable court order, or court approved agreement.
E. New improvements may be allowed only by amendment to a special use ordinance and only if the requested amendment does not intensify use of the large stable and/or related structures, or is for public and/or animal safety purposes and within current operational parameters.
F. Unless specifically addressed by a special use ordinance, applicable court order, or court approved agreement, approved and existing prior to November 21, 2023, all large stables must conform to the following standards. Variations to these standards are prohibited.
1. The owner of the premises resides upon the premises.
2. Facilities for horses must meet the following:
a. An inside stall is provided for each horse.
b. Box stalls are available for all horses stabled. Box stalls must be a minimum size of 11.5 feet by 11.5 feet.
c. All stalls must have feeders and water available.
d. At least one working and unexpired fire extinguisher is required for every five horses housed and must be located in the structures where the horses are housed.
3. No more than one horse stall per 40,000 square feet of contiguous lot area is permitted. The maximum number of horses cannot exceed the number of horses approved by the special use. For the purposes of calculation, this may include contiguous land located outside the Village's corporate limits.
4. Stable operations must be conducted as follows:
a. The following are prohibited:
i. Livery stables are prohibited.
ii. Horse shows are prohibited. This prohibition includes exhibitions that may be open to the public of horses, competition between horses and riders in riding, driving, and jumping, at which an entry fee is charged for horses, hay, bedding, stalls, or trailers.
iii. Horse clinics are prohibited. This prohibition includes events at which instruction or coaching in a particular equestrian discipline is given by a professional trainer who is not the large stable's regular and routine trainer, which professional trainer is paid to give instruction to outside horses and/or riders who may trailer into the large stable for instruction and at which auditors may be allowed to watch the clinic for a fee.
iv. Horse demonstrations and exhibitions are prohibited. This prohibition includes events open to the public to a promote a single professional rider and/or trainer or to showcase skills of a breed of horse or exhibit of a discipline of riding such as, but not limited to, dressage, jumping, or breed of horse challenges.
b. Instruction of riders in horsemanship must be by private lessons only, provided, however, that where the nature of instruction requires that other horses and riders be present at the same time, group lessons of up to four riders and horses are permitted.
c. Stalls must be cleaned daily. Manure and used bedding must be removed from the premises on no less than a weekly basis. Each week, between such removal, manure may only be stored in appropriate containers. The containers must be located at least 250 feet from any dwelling not on the lot where the stable is located and 100 feet from any lot line. A pile containing putrescible refuse and/or manure is prohibited and cannot be composted. Spreading of manure is prohibited.
d. Grain and other feeds must be stored to minimize the presence of mice, rats, and other vermin.
(Ord. 885, passed 11-21-2023)