Familiarize yourself with terms such as public hearing, setback restrictions,Planning Commission, and grandfather clause. Expect to hear and use these, and many more, terms. Consider installing culverts or french drains to allow water to quickly leave high-traffic areas. In general, professionals recommend two acres for the first horse and an additional acre for each additional horse (e.g., five acres for four horses). Lot owners find out about the setback problems when they seek to sell, or when a complaint is filed, when they decide to build a swimming pool or add-on to their homes. Julie Fershtman is one of the nations most experienced equine law practitioners, has successfully tried equine cases before juries in four states, has drafted hundreds of equine industry contracts, and is a Fellow of the American College of Equine Attorneys. The author, attorney Julie Fershtman, had her own conflict involving equine zoning in 1991 when her community government considered changing its horse ordinance to make it harder to stable horses. 02.04.20 Rules Governing Brucellosis. Where Are The Fastest Horses On A Merry-Go-Round? Your operating costs will change substantially if you are prevented from spreading manure. Livestock & Animals | Rocky View County Features sometimes found in horse-related zoning ordinances can include:* Minimum lot sizes for a family dwelling* The maximum number of horses per acre* The maximum number of buildings per lot* Setback restrictions for fencing and barns (typically specifying the minimum distance that one can place a building, fence, or arena from a property line or street)* Height restrictions affecting structures and fences on the lot* Restrictions on the percentage of a lot that can be covered by buildings or structures* Horse permits (requiring horse owners to complete, sometimes annually, anapplication. Variances for illegal setback encroachments are difficult to obtain. Municipalities differ on how a variance can be sought, but variances are typically issued through entities known as the Zoning Board of Appeals or board of adjustment. Traditionally the answer would be 2 acres for the first horse and an acre for each extra one. With that information, those land owners will have the opportunity to attend the hearing and voice their comments positive or negative about the proposed variance and whether it should be granted. (For example, an industrial/commercial development on a one-quarter (1/4)-acre parcel will be in compliance with this requirement if the wastewater flow does not exceed 150 gallons per day.) Twice weekly manure removal is required. In some cases, two acres is recommended for the first horse and one additional acre for each additional horse is suggested to prevent over-grazing of pastures. More acreage will allow you to be a bit more lax in your management and rotation of the pasture. Keep Abreast of the Meeting Agendas. Avoiding a Zoning Battle Before Buying Property. This article offers a quick review of the "horse privileges" zoning laws in the City of Phoenix, the City of Scottsdale, and in unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Maricopa County. Exchange phone numbers. Zoning R1-8 in Phoenix is intended to create a stable and functional environment by encouraging development in certain areas. A knowledgeable lawyer can be your best coach. There is no limitation on the number of horses which may be kept on a single-family lot, so long as they are all occupant-owned. Moreover, non-commercial public activities (no admission fee) may be conducted on a Rural-zoned lot, so long as no more than 24 persons are involved. According to the USDA, last year, there were 300,000 acres harvested that produced 2.52 million tons, 8.4 tons per acre. Opponents of ?horse-favorable? There is no limit to the number of horses that can be kept in a family lot, as long as they are all owned by the same owner. Is the Land for Exercise or Nutritional Needs? All participants must make a cash donation to the community association. Share information about local government candidates known to have ?anti-horse? For more information, call (602)542-6398. If you determine that your acreage is adequate to support your horse, some tips can make this arrangement better suited for both humans and horses. Because of this, you must devote more of your time each day to intentional activities and outlets for exercise. A lawyer can, for example address the municipality (where appropriate), retain consultants, help select effective residents to address the municipality, review or write statements for residents to present at public hearings, develop effective relations with the media, and more. Mud puddles are another common nuisance of horse owners around the country. After that, the zoning or planning board or commission prepares a draft ordinance for public comment. How will the land be used? Know where the local government publishes or posts meeting notices for its planning commission and governing body. 02.04.21 Rules Governing the Importation Of Animals. This will provide you with adequate space for grazing, turnouts, and proper land management. Yes! While it is true that horses survive and thrive on limited acreage in almost every area of the country, some challenges accompany this approach. Providing your horse with adequate turnout is just one way you care for their needs. Structures which violate setback or spacing requirements will need variance approval, and legal assistance is advised (see discussion of County below). What if your community is now considering a proposed new ordinance or a proposed changed ordinance that will somehow affect the ability to keep and enjoy horses? 5.04 Acres (Lot) 54861 W Crestwood St Unit -, Maricopa, AZ 85139. Learn the Terminology and Understand the Legislative Process in Your Community. Does the municipality have manure disposal restrictions? Setbacks will apply. You might become one of them. Show the extent to which horses have impacted the community. This amount of acreage allows different management plans to be implemented without horses overgrazing the property. However, horse operations involving a greater number of horses or larger events, or events where admission is charged, will require additional permitting, and legal assistance is advised. In more recent years, with acreage limitations in all parts of the country, equestrians have sought to better understand the needs of horses when it comes to land. In such cases, government records will be reviewed, such as aerial photos, permit records, and applications. What is your plan for pasture management and rotation? In my case, I need chapter 18 (zoning) and specifically 18.21 "CR-1 Zoning". Therefore, the property must be kept clean enough not to violate those rules, and regular cleaning is advised. Consequently, remember that winning their support for your view will not involve winning them over as horse lovers. Zoning has nothing to do with how many acres you should have per horse. The effect may be a hardship on horse businesses. Onc e you find out the zoning designation of the property, you can easily figure out whether or not horses are allowed.. Say you have a 2 acre property in with R1L-70 zoning. 4. However, it is unlikely that your horse has access to enough grass to avoid supplementation. Some horses are treated similar to pets, kept for their companionship and entertainment value. A re-match can always follow a few years down the road. The AU factor for a mature horse light work = 1.0 Step 3: Multiply column 2 (number of horses) * column 3 (AU Factor) = column 4 (Animal units). In my experience, after negotiation with a neighbor I relocated part of my new pasture fencing. The opportunities are endless: remove horse droppings from the road, paint the barn, clean out all rubbish, relocate manure piles away from view, plant grass seed, add flowers, touch up the fencing. Manufactured homes or custom homes can be built here. The special definition that is used in the case of livestock is found in IRC section 1231(b)(3) which defines property used in the trade or business as including (A) cattle and horses, regardless of age, held by the taxpayer for draft, breeding, dairy, or sporting purposes, and held by him for 24 months or more from. Animals (including horses and other livestock) are regulated by the Maricopa County Health Department and by rules/regulations enforced by Homeowner's Associations or Covenants, Codes & Restrictions (CC&R's). On the other hand, if the purpose of the land is primarily for exercise, the amount of acreage is less important than how the space is designed. While the land in some parts of the country is ideal for supporting horses, other areas that are known for their droughts may not be as well-suited. Consider Establishing an Association. Just a few hours of quiet attendance in which they do nothing more than sit quietly near the front row while the meeting continues can have tremendous impact on the decision makers and help earn their respect. Talking to those whom you once dismissed as being your enemies might be far more productive than you think. In such cases, legal assistance is advised. Even horses that primarily live in stables require enough land for turnout and grazing. The views expressed in this document are solely the views of the author and not Martindale-Hubbell. Let s assume that the municipality has now drafted a proposed new ordinance or a change to the old one. Very detailed requirements for the operation of a commercial stable are stipulated. Harvested Acres Yield Production Price per Unit Value of Production in Dollars; HAY & HAYLAGE: HAY & HAYLAGE: 742,587,000: . Arizona Agriculture's Amazing Alfalfa! - Azfb.org Zoning battles are very serious battles that involve legal issues. Over the years, the carrying capacity of land for horses has been a great dispute amongst equestrians and horse owners. Frustrated with the constantly growing manure pile behind your house? Create a track within your paddock that encourages activity and exercise. District 3 Pinal County Supervisor David Snider, OP-ED: How Maricopa is preparing for train derailments, hazmat incidents, Solo agers: Procrastination not a good plan in dealing with your affairs. Guiding sensible and well . In this post, we will take a look at the traditional approach to the carrying capacity of land for horses. in Maricopa county AZ. North 16th Street , Phoenix, AZ, 85085, Maricopa County. For example, how far in advance of a public meeting must the municipal body post or publish its meeting notices? When you put eight to 10 horses on two or three acres, the horses will graze the grass too short and it dies out. Steps must be taken to prevent the breeding of flies and mosquitoes. For example, the minimum lot size for properties categorized as R1-8 is 7,500 square feet, which allows for a decent amount of space between homes. If the property was zoned for residential or agricultural purposes, the municipality correctly or not might classify your use as commercial and assert that it runs afoul of the zoning laws.2. The latest Arizona alfalfa acres and value are from 2015. For more information, visit www.equinelaw.net or www.equinelaw.info. Kentucky is eighth with 150,000, according to the Horse Council. However, in Maricopa County, if someone wants to keep more than four horses on their property, they must own a minimum of two acres of land. The Planning and Zoning Division is committed to promoting orderly and quality development, as well as providing excellent services to the public. Although it may seem counterintuitive, research shows that allowing your horse to graze in a smaller pasture that is rotated routinely will optimize the production of your pastures. Zone Definition. For each additional horse, they recommend adding another acre to your space. A detailed list of animals and their unit classification is outlined in the County's Land Use Bylaw (PDF).