Petition to allow minature goats to be kept in Salt Lake City residential areas.

We stand before you today to ask you to change the City Salt Lake's regulations regarding backyard goats.  Current city regulations do not permit goats in areas zoned as residential.  We propose these regulations be amended to allow up to two miniature or dwarf goats on lots of 5000 square feet or more.   On average miniature goats are twenty inches tall and weigh approximately sixty pounds (much smaller than many breeds of dog).   Many cities, including Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Detroit, Berkley, Oakland, Pasadena, Denver, New York and San Diego, now permit backyard goats.     Why goats?   First and foremost goats are affectionate, intelligent and easy to train thereby making wonderful companions (some goats are even registered by the Delta Society as therapy animals). Goats don't have upper front teeth and don't bite out of aggression although they nibble out of curiosity.   Goats can be trained to obey an underground fence just like our canine companions.   Goat poop does not smell and provides good fertilizer.  Goats can provide a nutritious and delicious source of milk; commonly used for drinking, making cheese, yogurt, butter, caramel and soap.   Goats are just plain fun.  
 
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Following is the new proposed language for the Salt Lake City ordinance to include backyard goats. This is based on the code from several cities that have recently voted to allow goats including Seattle and San Diego.

8.08.010: DOMESTIC FOWL AND LIVESTOCK; PERMIT REQUIRED:
A, Except as provided in subsection B and C of this section, it is unlawful for any person to keep within the city any chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons or other similar domestic fowl, or more than two (2) rabbits, (2) miniature goats or other similar animals, without first making application for and obtaining a permit from the office of animal services to do so. The fee for such permit shall be shown on the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule.
B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, chickens may be kept in any area zoned as a residential district under title 21A, chapter 21A.24 of this code or its successor, subject to the requirements of section 8.08.065 of this chapter
C. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, goats (measuring no more than 24” at the withers 'shoulder height' may be kept in any area zoned as a residential district under title ???, chapter ???.?? of this code or its successor, subject to the requirements of section ?.??.??? of this chapter. Within thirty (30) days of entry of any miniature goat into the City, the owner of the miniature goat must obtain a valid license for such animal with the exception of nursing offspring born to a licensed miniature goat. A valid license much [must] be obtained for offspring of a licensed miniature goat upon being weaned. Along with the fee for the license or renewal, the owner must present proof that the miniature goat is dehorned, and if the miniature goat is male, that it is neutered. Miniature goat owners are required to present miniature goat keeping certification prior to obtaining a permit from the office of animal services to do so.
MINIATURE GOAT KEEPING CERTIFICATION TOPICS:
Requirements of Salt Lake City's Miniature goat keeping ordinances
- Breed Selection and Purchasing
- Shelter and Fencing
- Basic Health Care
- Feed and Hay Requirements
- Breeding Cycle and Buck Selection
- Milking your goat/ safe milk handling
- Manure/Odor Control
8.08.???: KEEPING MINIATURE GOATS :
A. Subject to the requirements of this section and any other applicable provision of this chapter, two (2) miniature goats (mi may be kept on a lot or parcel of land in a residential district for purpose of producing milk or as a domestic pet. The principal use on the lot or parcel shall be a one-family dwelling, a two-family dwelling, or a multi-family dwelling. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person who complies with the requirements of section 8.08.??? of this chapter may keep miniature goats as provided in such section.
B. Miniature goats shall be confined within a secure outdoor enclosed area.
1. The enclosed area shall include an enclosed shelter, with a cement floor, that is ventilated and protects from drafts.
a. The enclosed shelter shall have a minimum floor area of at least ten (10) square feet per miniature goat.
2. The enclosed area shall be located in a rear yard providing an area of at least of two hundred and fifty (250) square feet per miniature goat.
a. The shelter and enclosed area shall be maintained in a neat and sanitary condition and shall be maintained as provided in section 8.08.070 of this chapter. The enclosure fence shall not adjoin any property lines or be closer than ten (10) from any property line.
b. The enclosed area fence shall be constructed from chain link fence at least forty eight (48) high. All fence post will be cemented into the ground with chain link gates with padlocks. Goats are not allowed out of enclosure without a leash and under adult supervision.
3. Goat feed grains shall be stored and dispensed in rodentproof and predatorproof containers.
C. Miniature goats shall not be kept on a residential lot or parcel unless the person keeping miniature goats first obtains a permit as provided in section 8.08.010 of this chapter.
1. The permittee shall acknowledge the rules set forth in this section and shall, as a condition of permit issuance, agree in writing to comply with such rules.
2. The permit shall be good for one year and may be renewed annually.
D. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any miniature goats in a residential district in a manner contrary to the provisions of this section. (Ord. ??-?? § ?, 2017)
8.08.070: MINIATURE GOATS SHELTER AND ENCLOSED AREA; SANITATION:
A. All goat shelters where miniature goats are housed shall be whitewashed at least three (2) times yearly, once in each of the months of March and October.
B. All goat shelter bedding shall be at least 12” deep and be cleaned out at least once each of the months of March and October and agricultural lime or dolomite shall be spread on the floor prior to replacing new bedding.
C. All goat shelters, enclosed area and surroundings shall be kept and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. (Prior code § 100-2-6)
8.08.080: TRESPASS BY FOWL OR DOMESTIC ANIMALS:
It is unlawful for the owner or any person in charge of domestic fowl, such as turkeys, ducks, geese, chickens, or other similar domestic fowl, or domestic animals such as dogs or cats, to permit such fowl or domestic animals to trespass upon the premises of another. It is unlawful for any person to house, keep, run or feed any such fowl within fifty feet (50') of any house used for human habitation except as provided in section 8.08.065 of this chapter. (Ord. 72-09 § 4, 2009)