Citizens Push Back Against Proposed Backyard Animal Regulations at Lancaster County Council Meeting

The Lancaster County Council held a regular meeting on October 14, 2024.

1. Call to Order and Formalities:
   • The meeting began at 6:00 PM with a call to order by Chairman Steve Harper, followed by a welcome and recognition, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation led by Council Member Billy Mosteller.
2. Joint Meeting with the Board of Voter Registration and Elections:
   • The Council held a joint meeting with the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Lancaster County, chaired by Ronnie Wall. The primary topic was a public hearing concerning a transportation sales tax referendum scheduled for the November 2024 general election. The referendum seeks to impose a 1% sales tax for 15 years or until $45 million is raised, dedicated to transportation projects. Another proposal involves issuing $250 million in general obligation bonds. The hearing was part of the legal requirements for public input ahead of the election. After the hearing, the Board of Voter Registration and Elections adjourned its portion of the meeting.
3. Council Agenda Approval:
   • The Council approved the meeting agenda unanimously.
4. Citizens’ Comments:
   • Citizens were given an opportunity to voice concerns and opinions. Several speakers expressed their views on various topics, though the most heated discussions centered around backyard animal regulations.
5. Consent Agenda:
   • The Council approved the minutes from the September 11, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting and the September 23, 2024, regular meeting.
6. Non-Consent Agenda:
   • The Council addressed the following significant items:
     • Resolution 1284-R2024: The Council adopted the Lancaster County investment policy, which aligns with state regulations and aims to ensure effective financial management.
     • 2nd Reading of Ordinance 2024-1930: This ordinance amended the county’s budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, providing for further expenditures and revenues. The ordinance passed unanimously after discussion.
     • 2nd Reading of Ordinance 2024-1932: This ordinance extended a development agreement with Century Communities Southeast, LLC, until December 31, 2025. After review, it was passed.
     • 2nd Reading of Ordinance 2024-1934: The Council approved a temporary construction and permanent easement to Lancaster County Water and Sewer District for a park-related project. Some concerns were raised regarding future park design, but the ordinance passed 4-2.
7. Public Hearings:
   • 1st Reading of Ordinance 2024-1929: The public hearing and first reading of this ordinance focused on amending zoning regulations for backyard pens and coups. This item sparked significant debate and public comment. The main discussion revolved around a proposal to amend zoning regulations related to backyard pens and coups for small animals like chickens. The applicant, who had received a violation notice regarding the number of animals on his property, suggested significant changes to the existing ordinance. The changes included increasing the allowed number of animals and adding specific regulations on coups and pens. However, many citizens expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendments, with most voicing concerns about government overreach and the potential impact on personal freedoms. They argued that the restrictions were unnecessary, especially in rural areas, and that chickens were an important part of their self-sufficiency.Council members also expressed concerns about the detailed nature of the proposed regulations, with some stating that they felt it was an overreach. The discussion included concerns about enforcement, the role of code officers, and the potential difficulty in regulating small animals on private property.Throughout the meeting, multiple attendees used their time during public comments to share their opposition to the ordinance, with the overall sentiment being that the regulation of small animals on private property should be left to homeowners, not the government. Many felt that if stricter regulations were needed, they should be handled by homeowner associations rather than through county-wide ordinances.
   • 1st Reading of Ordinance 2024-1935: This ordinance proposed changes to road naming rules. It was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and Council.
   • 1st Reading of Ordinance 2024-1936: The Council considered a rezoning request for a parcel at 2488 Cane Mill Road from neighborhood business to medium-density residential. It was supported by the Planning Commission and approved.
   • 1st Reading of Ordinance 2024-1937: This ordinance addressed the rezoning of two parcels for the purpose of unifying ownership and operation. The Planning Commission recommended approval, and the Council followed suit.
8. Executive Session:
   • The Council entered into an executive session to discuss two contractual matters: one related to an economic development project (Keer America Corporation) and another related to county fire districts.
9. Adjournment:
   • After addressing the items requiring votes following the executive session, the Council adjourned the meeting.

The most significant issue at the meeting was the public hearing on Ordinance 2024-1929, regarding backyard animal regulations. The public’s strong opposition to increased regulations on small animals like chickens in residential areas was a recurring theme. Some Council members indicated that the ordinance could be amended to better reflect the needs of rural residents.