COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – After it has been discussed for almost the last year-and-a-half, the Coldwater City Council approved an ordinance on Monday night which amends definitions relating to animals in the city.
City Planner Dean Walrack reported to the Council the ordinance was intended to help preserve the ability for City residents to enjoy the companionship of animals and to engage in animal-related hobbies while protecting the City’s urban character and neighboring residents from unreasonable nuisances.
He said the ordinance adds two definitions to the City’s Zoning Code to better distinguish between Farm Animals and Hobby Animals.
The keeping of Farm Animals would only be allowed on properties zoned A-A One-Family Agricultural Residential District.
Hobby Animals would be defined as animals and fowl typically under 10 pounds along with bees which are not normally or customarily kept for companionship inside of a residence. Requirements include having the animal remain within an enclosure at all times when they are not being handled directly and the enclosure must be kept in an orderly condition.
The Planning Commission recommended the Council pass the ordinance amendments on a 6-1 vote during their April 19 meeting.
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