Democracy in Action – Chapman Zoning Board
by Barbara Mastriania
NORTH BEND – On Tuesday evening 30 some Chapman Township residents attended a zoning board meeting to let the board members know what they thought about some sections of an amendment to the township’s Zoning Ordinance that was passed last week. The thoughts they expressed were that they didn’t like Section XV of the amended ordinance that dealt with Regulations Governing Farm Animals.
The consensus appeared to be that the residents felt the Ordinance was limiting their right to have pet chickens and rabbits in residential zoned areas.
According to the ordinance outdoor farm animals shall only be permitted in Nature/Conservation District, the Forest and Agriculture District and the Industrial District. The Ordinance also lists lot size requirements and setbacks, etc.
The Ordinance also requires animal and pet owners to remove accumulated feces by using approved sanitary double bagging and disposing in the trash for collection. Manure that has been composted is permitted to use in gardens. Feed and water must be protected in a way to prevent rodent and varmint infestation.
Domesticated cats and dogs shall not be considered as farm animals and are permitted in any zoning district.
Residents Eric Ditty, Danielle and Todd Donley, Darlene Mills, Donnie Gentzyel, and Roland Davenport spoke passionately about concerns to zoning board members Alice Tarr, Neal Mayers, Tim Horner and Al Davis.
The Donleys said they had researched other zoning ordinances relating to animals in places like State College, Lancaster and East Lampeter. Todd Donley noted that in at least one place where pets were severely limited or prohibited, the zoning backfired and residents sued. Noting that Chapman Township is a rural area, he said there are many various ways officials can work with residents that will allow animals.
“Everybody is looking for a common sense solution,” board member Davis said. “All we’re looking for is basic rule. We don’t want to take away anybody’s pets.”
Roland Davenport presented a passionate argument reminding all that all of
Chapman Township was once farmland, the importance of farm animals and their contribution to growing chemical free food.
He said people live in this area because they want to, because the area is a sanctuary for the most beautiful people. “Our wealth is in our relationships with people, our neighbors, our
God,” he said. “We want our children and grandchildren to have chicks and peeps and puppies, to have the way of life we have here.
As the heading states here, the meeting was an example of democracy in action. Residents spoke with passion and concern. And zoning officials listened. Board members said they will go back to work on this section of the ordinance. The board will meet again the second Tuesday in April and suggestions from the public will be welcome. Information regarding meetings and township business is posted the Chapman Township website, they said.
