Ordinance 2013-1644 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ORDINANCE NO. 1644 SERIES 2013 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 6 OF THE LOUISVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW BACKYARD HENS IN LOW AND MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE DISTRICTS WHEREAS, the City of Louisville is a Colorado home rule municipal corporation duly organized and existing under laws of the State of Colorado and the City Charter; and WHEREAS, the practice of raising chickens is prohibited in the City, except in areas zoned Agricultural (A) or restricted Rural Residential (R -RR); and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to expand the areas in which the raising of female chickens, or hens, would be allowed; and WHEREAS, a core value of the City in the 2013 Comprehensive Plan promotes: "Sustainable Practices for the Economy, Community, and the Environment ... where we challenge our government, residents, property owners, and our business owners to be innovative with sustainable practices so the needs of today are met without compromising the needs of future generations ", and the raising of backyard hens is recognized as a sustainable community practice; and WHEREAS, a second core value of the City in the 2013 Comprehensive Plan promotes: Unique Commercial Areas and Distinctive Neighborhoods ... where the City is committed to recognizing the diversity of Louisville's commercial areas and neighborhoods by establishing customized policies and tools to ensure that each maintains its individual character, economic vitality, and livable structure", and any new regulations regarding backyard hens shall contain nuisance mitigation measures to ensure each neighborhood maintains their unique livable structure; and WHEREAS, the Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board (LSAB) collaboratively crafted a white paper on urban chickens with staff from the Planning and Police Departments; and WHEREAS, after a duly noticed public hearing held September 12, 2013, where evidence and testimony were entered into the record, including the findings in the White Paper and Louisville Planning Commission Staff Report dated September 12, 2013, the Louisville Planning Commission has recommended the City Council adopt the amendments to the Louisville Municipal Code set forth in this ordinance; and WHEREAS, City Council has provided notice of a public hearing on said ordinance by publication as provided by law and held a public hearing as provided in said notice; and Ordinance No. 1644, Series 2013 Page 1 of 6