§ 9-20. Keeping of livestock for personal enjoyment.

The following requirements shall apply to the keeping of livestock for private use or enjoyment:

1.

The following minimum acreages shall be required, unless a special exception is granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals allowing a reduced acreage:

a.

A minimum acreage of two (2) acres per animal is required for buffalo and cattle for the first five (5) animals maintained and an additional one (1) acre is required for each additional animal.

b.

A minimum acreage of two (2) acres per five (5) animals is required for sheep, goats and pigs.

c.

The minimum acreage required for horses and ponies shall be governed by section 9-18.

d.

No minimum acreage shall be required for poultry. Domestic chicken-keeping in the SF-1 district shall be governed by section 9-26.

e.

For any livestock not specifically mentioned, the minimum acreage requirement shall be one (1) acre per animal.

f.

In any case where two (2) or more animal types listed above are kept, the minimum acreage requirements will be cumulative.

2.

Two (2) or more parcels may be used to meet the acreage requirements, provided the parcels are located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of each other and are not separated by a state right-of-way greater than forty (40) feet.

3.

The minimum acreage required shall not include the area occupied by the primary or accessory structures and associated yards, and/or areas of wetlands.

4.

The minimum acreage required shall be suitable for grazing, if appropriate for livestock, when the use is initiated or, if the property owner has obtained approval of a livestock management plan from the Tidewater Soil and Water Conservation District, then within eighteen (18) months of initiation of the use.

5.

All animals and fowl shall be contained within a fenced or enclosed area. For purposes of pasture rotation, the fence may encompass all or a portion of the minimum required acreage.

(Ord. of 7-5-2005, § 4; Ord. of 5-5-2015(2))

Editor's note— An ordinance adopted May 5, 2012, changed the title of § 9-20 from "Keeping of livestock for private use or enjoyment" to read as herein set out.

(Ord. of 7-5-2005, § 4; Ord. of 5-5-2015(2))

Editor's note

An ordinance adopted May 5, 2012, changed the title of § 9-20 from "Keeping of livestock for private use or enjoyment" to read as herein set out.