City Staff to Review Code
Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) The City will review its municipal code after determining that a citizen was not eligible for a permit for his pet potbellied pig.
The request was first brought up by the citizen during the public comment period at the August 13 Common Council meeting. City staff then reviewed section 9-52 of the municipal code regarding animals which stated that farm animals, such as pigs, were allowable if they were kept within a distance of 200 feet from the nearest residence.
Based on the distance requirement, the citizen could not be issued a permit for his pet potbellied pig since he lived within the city.
At the Common Council meeting August 28, Alderman Tom Witzel questioned whether the code was too limiting since most residences in Marshfield would not meet the distance requirement.
Josh Miller, Development Services Director, said that the intent of the ordinance was for outlying areas of the city. “It still gives people an opportunity to do it if they live in certain areas,” he said.
The ordinance states: “No person shall keep any horse, mule, donkey, pony, cow, pig, goat, sheep, swine, fowl or animal raised for fur-bearing purposes within the city, except in an outlying district where there are no residences other than that occupied by the owner or occupant of the premises upon which such animals are kept and within a distance of 200 feet of the structure or fence housing or enclosing such animal, without a special written permit therefor issued by the city clerk.”
City Administrator Steve Barg said city staff realized that the code language is antiquated and they would review it for any necessary changes, which could include deciding which animals should be allowed.
“Just because you’re 200 feet away from neighboring property owners and you live in more of an outlying area — I think we may want to revisit whether we’d allow people to have literally a farm,” he said.
Alderman Rebecca Spiros said there should be a distinction in the code between outdoor farm animals and pets that are kept primarily indoors.
Barg said that the entire section could be looked over and City staff will come up with a revision.
Author: News Desk
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