Zeeland discusses potential allowance for ‘food-producing’ pets, including bees and chickens

ZEELAND — Immediately after an improve in requests from inhabitants, Zeeland is contemplating a adjust to its pet ordinance, which would make it possible for “food items-generating” pets like bees and chickens within town limitations.

Employees mentioned the possible transform with planning commissioners for the duration of their assembly Thursday, June 2.

“At this time, the only animals permitted in the city’s household districts are conventional animals, like cats and canine,” Zoning Administrator Tim Maday informed The Sentinel. “Our metropolis ordinance does not permit meals-generating animals this sort of as chickens or bees.

“The organizing fee past examined this in 2010. At that time, they voted to preserve our latest laws. But more than the past year or so, we have been given a range of contacts at the workers degree about whether or not these animals would be permitted.”

Maday explained the town is hunting principally at bees and chickens, and has started off to obtain qualifications and “initial exploratory research” from neighboring municipalities.

“We are searching for traits in other communities,” Maday explained. “If the scheduling commission have been to determine they wanted to take into consideration an ordinance amendment, they’d maintain a community hearing on the proposal and, if they felt it was acceptable, they could go a resolution that would go to town council for action.”

While callers rarely share the purpose for their inquiry, Maday claimed staff members have gained an boost in questions about the previous a number of months, as grocery and gas charges continue on to climb. Commissioner Bill Elhart observed the pattern is “due to substantial meals expenditures.”

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Commissioners discussed the chance of an once-a-year allow, rather than indefinite — to give proprietors an option to demonstrate they’re responsible. They also mentioned a grievance restrict ahead of a permit is revoked, or a minimum ton size.

Maday agreed to report back again to the commission with a lot more information and facts.

— Make contact with reporter Cassandra Lybrink at ca[email protected]. Adhere to her on Instagram @BizHolland.

This article at first appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland could allow inhabitants to individual bees, chickens