DATE: September 15, 2015
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Development Services Director
SUBJECT
Title
Amendments to Hayward's Livestock Regulations Related to Keeping of Chickens and Other Fowl
End
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council reviews and provides input on this report.
Body
SUMMARY
In response to General Plan policy that encourages access to healthy foods, and related to current trends and practices in other jurisdictions, the City is considering updating its livestock regulations (Section 10-1.2735.e of the Hayward Municipal Code) to encourage more keeping of chickens in residential areas in Hayward. This work session before City Council and another work session scheduled before the Planning Commission on September 17 will provide an opportunity to take public comment and receive feedback and direction on this topic. Issues that have been previously identified by staff and the public, including during an August 18 public meeting at City Hall, include:
* The lack of a distinction between small livestock, such as chickens and ducks, and large livestock, such as cattle and horses, means that the setback standards for small livestock may be in excess of what is needed to ensure compatibility with nearby residences, and are certainly in excess of current industry standards. Current regulations require a forty foot separation between a chicken coop and any residence.
* The current requirement and process for a discretionary administrative use permit to keep chickens is overly burdensome and costly, and requires unnecessary staff time, and does not provide certainty for applicants.
* The public noticing requirement that all property owners and residents within 300 feet of a parcel where chickens are proposed to be kept is seen as excessive.
Staff has identified two alternatives to the current permit process, which are detailed in this report. The first would simpli...
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