Frank Dutra
’s goats may get a ticket back home soon if the Planning
Commission is able to find a way to alter the ordinance that got
them kicked out in the first place.
Frank Dutra’s goats may get a ticket back home soon if the Planning Commission is able to find a way to alter the ordinance that got them kicked out in the first place.
The commission will consider, tonight, a proposed amendment of the city code that, in October, forced Dutra to remove his goats from property on Diana Avenue, just west of Highway 101. During the goats’ residence, the neighborhood went from rural to residential and, after a few neighbors complained, the goats were removed to a farm on the Delta.
City ordinance currently allows only two animals (livestock, not dogs and cats) on one acre and no more than two on property of any size without a special permit. Planning staff reviewed ordinances in other Bay Area cities and found that they allow livestock in some residential districts and are recommending approval.
City is staff is recommending that livestock be kept only for private uses, a maximum of two adult livestock and their offspring be kept per each 40,000-square-feet of area and all must be kept in a secured corral no less than 50 feet from the property line.
Dutra and many other neighbor children and adults are anxious for the city to change the rules in this case, allowing the pet goats to return. During council hearings in September, several neighbors spoke up for the animals, whom they considered as pets.
Dutra said the goats are doing well in their new – and, he hopes – temporary home.
“But they want to come home,” Dutra said recently.
He wants them home too.
If the commission approves the change, the ordinance will be introduced to the City Council on Wednesday, March 2 and return for adoption on March 16. If approved, the ordinance becomes goes into effect 30 days later, April 15.
The public is welcome to attend the meeting and to speak to the commissioners. The item is second on the agenda.
Planning Commission, 7pm Tuesday, Feb. 8, City Council chambers, 17555 Peak Ave. Details: 779-7248.
