The Connecticut Horse Council, Inc.
 Zoning Update:
 
The town of Tolland planning and zoning commission announced proposed zoning changes in June relative to agriculture and the keeping of livestock, including horses. There were several sections of the proposed changes that CHC had objections to, so we submitted comments along with documentation at the initial public hearing. In response to the information CHC submitted, the PZC tabled the hearing for continuance twice, and then ultimately pulled the proposed regulations at the third meeting at the end of July.
 
The three pages of regulations would have increased restraints on agricultural activities, and given more oversight to the PZC, including requiring a permit to be issued by the zoning officer for any large animals being kept. Also, there were no exceptions for 4-H project animals, and therefore 4-Hers would have had to meet all the new zoning requirements, which would have been difficult.
 
CHC is happy to report that the Tolland PZC has completely withdrawn their proposal, and is deciding whether to move forward with another attempt. We have been assured by the PZC, that if they choose to pursue any further changes, they will include CHC in the discussions. CHC appreciates the fact that the PZC was willing to accept our input, and we look forward to being of assistance to them in the future.
 
We will keep our members informed about this issue as appropriate. If you have any questions, please contact President Amy Stegall at president@cthorsecouncil.org . You may also visit our website at www.cthorsecouncil.org . The Connecticut Horse Council, Inc. is an all volunteer organization serving the needs of the horse industry in the state of Connecticut.
 
Attached below is reprinted with permission from the Journal Inquirer news.
 
 
Journal Inquirer
08/10/2007
Livestock rules getting second look
By:Mark D. Simpson , Journal Inquirer
 
TOLLAND - The Planning and Zoning Commission will discuss possible revisions to previously withdrawn amendments to the town's livestock regulations at its next meeting.

The PZC is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m., Monday. The discussion will not be an open public hearing. Since the livestock amendments were withdrawn, the hearing was therefore closed. Now revisions would be discussed in a planning phase.

Numerous concerns were raised during the public hearing on the effect the regulations would have on livestock in town, Town Planner Linda Farmer said.

Farmer said that the current regulations allow people with two acres of property to have livestock. Also, there must be a 75-foot setback from a structure that houses livestock or a corral that doesn't have vegetation.

PZC Chairwoman Marilee K. Beebe-Kostrun said that the PZC members would now "look to redirect ourselves."

Beebe-Kostrun said the intent of the amendments was to simply update the regulations.
"This section is intended to promote, protect, and encourage the rural character of Tolland by allowing for the keeping of livestock within the community in a manner that will protect neighbors from associated negative impacts," the proposed amendment states.

Under the amendments, a farm would have been considered a tract of three acres or more used principally for "agricultural activities, forestry, nursery, or truck gardening or for raising, keeping, or sale of livestock and fowl, but excluding the raising of fur-bearing animals."

Amy Stegall, president of the Connecticut Horse Council, and her organization had some objections to the amendments.

Stegall said there was no exception for 4-H or FFA animals in the amendments. She also said that the amendments would have required a permit to keep any large animals. Stegall said this isn't typically done in the state, and the law would put another provision on farmers.

Stegall also said her organization was against the amendments because it would have had power in the subject of animal husbandry. She said that state law guarantees farmers the right to regulate that subject and the PZC would have been going beyond its zoning power. "They got a little carried away," Stegall said.

Beebe-Kostrun said the concerns of Stegall and others were why the amendments were withdrawn. But she said the Connecticut Horse Council is willing to work with the PZC on the issue if the commission decides to push forward.

Stegall gave the PZC credit. She said the members were good about reading provided information and hearing comments. She also said that writing zoning regulations can be difficult. "I'm hopeful we can work something out that can satisfy everyone," Stegall said.

Beebe-Kostrun said as the PZC moves forward she wants to stay in contact with the horse council during the process.