<\/p>\n
Rabbits, chickens and quail could be the only livestock allowed in Mancos, if the town board agrees with the recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission.<\/p>\n
During a special meeting on Feb. 23, the commission voted 3-1 to recommend allowing 12 hens, 12 quail and eight rabbits at residences.<\/p>\n
The commission also recommended prohibiting exotic animals, aquaculture and roosters from town, according to town documents.<\/p>\n
Livestock such as goats, sheep, ducks, bees and other animals would be allowed only in agricultural residential zones, which includes two areas of town around the Mancos Valley Inn and a strip north of the Country West Motel.<\/p>\n
Mancos doesn\u2019t have regulations regarding livestock, but that could change after town trustees take up the recommendations this month<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be good if could get this wrapped up because the board has been working on it for quite some time,\u201d said Mayor Rachael Simbeck.<\/p>\n
Since January, the town board invited the public to two planning commission meetings and a public hearing to speak on the issue.<\/p>\n
The board also discussed the issue in October and December.<\/p>\n
Last summer, the town mailed 400 surveys and received 180 responses from residents. More than 75 percent of respondents supported allowing chickens and rabbits within town limits.<\/p>\n
Ducks and bees also received more than 50 percent approval. Ponds and tanks came in with the fifth, with 41 percent of residents supporting them.<\/p>\n
A community task force that reviewed the survey recommended a special-use permit for livestock other than chickens, bees, rabbits and acquaculture.<\/p>\n
Many in town also supported coops and enclosures for animals, according to the survey.<\/p>\n
Seemingly in line with this sentiment, the planning commission recommended allowed livestock be kept within a fenced yard during the day and in a coop or hutch at night.<\/p>\n
No one who has animals other than hens, quail and rabbits outside the agricultural-residential zones would be allowed to keep them under the recommended rules.<\/p>\n
However, the commission did not include a time limit for residents to come into compliance with the new rules, if they are adopted.<\/p>\n
The public has a chance to comment on the rules March 9 and 23 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.<\/p>\n
If the board doesn\u2019t make a decision this month, the issue will be passed to a board that will include three new trustees who take office in April.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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