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by the Planning Commission. Staff found that many cities allow animals, especially hens, on <br />smaller lots. The Planning Commission asked staff to prepare language to allow the keeping of <br />limited birds or fowl, defined as domestic poultry, on lots of at least one-half (1/2) acre in size, <br />regardless of zoning district. <br />Staff noted that the researched cities also had multiple definitions for animals that allowed for <br />flexibility in interpretation, where the existing Orono animal regulations were prohibitive. Staff, <br />through discussion with the Planning Commission, worked on new definitions for animals and <br />farm animals, while defining domestic poultry and domestic animals. The uses of residential <br />zoning districts were modified to allow for the keeping of animals, based on lot size. The proposed <br />changes allow for smaller properties in all residential districts to keep domestic poultry as an <br />accessory use and for larger, two (2) acre properties or greater, to keep farm animals as an <br />accessory use. The existing regulation allowing farm animals on Lakeshore Residential Districts of <br />at least two (2) acres by conditional use permit will not be changed. <br />4. Planning Commission Vote and Comment: <br />The Planning Commission reviewed Staff s proposed language in a public hearing at their June 16, <br />2025 meeting. The Planning Commission discussed Staffs issues for consideration, and made a <br />motion to approve the proposed language, with a change to the domestic poultry standards to <br />allow for the keeping of up to twenty-five (25) pigeons or doves as an accessory use in all <br />residential districts of at least one-half (1/2) acre in size. This motion passed on a vote of seven (7) <br />to none (0). <br />Public Comment: <br />One (1) public comment was submitted before the Planning Commission hearing, and presented <br />during the hearing. This letter is provided as Exhibit C. <br />6. Staff Recommendation: <br />Staff recommends the City Council review the draft language. (Exhibit A) If the Council agrees <br />with the Planning Commission findings, the Council should make a motion to adopted the <br />proposed language as drafted. <br />COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED <br />Motion to 1) adopt the proposed language for Animals, Ordinance 315 (Exhibit A), and 2) authorize a <br />summary newspaper publication (Exhibit D) (requires 4/5 vote). <br />Exhibits <br />A. Draft Ord 315 Animals <br />B. PC Draft Minutes (June 16, 2025) <br />C. Public Comment <br />D. Ord 315 Summary Ordinance <br />82 <br />