We stand before you today to ask you to change the City of Bend’s regulations regarding backyard goats.  Current city regulations do not permit goats on less than five acres of land.  We propose these regulations be amended to allow up to two miniature or dwarf goats on lots of 5000 square feet or more.  

On average miniature goats are eighteen inches tall and weigh approximately sixty pounds (much smaller than many breeds of dog).  

Many cities, including Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Detroit, Berkley, Oakland, Pasadena, Denver, New York and San Diego, now permit backyard goats.  

 

Why goats?  

First and foremost goats are affectionate, intelligent and easy to train thereby making wonderful companions (some goats are even registered by the Delta Society as therapy animals).

Goats don’t have upper front teeth and don’t bite out of aggression (though they nibble out of curiosity).  

Goats provide excellent environmental weed control (many cities now employ goats for such purposes). 

Goats can be trained to obey an underground fence (just like our canine companions).  

Goat poop doesn’t smell and provides good fertilizer. 

Goats can provide a nutritious and delicious source of milk; commonly used for drinking, making cheese, yogurt, butter, caramel and soap.  

Goats are just plain fun.  

 

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Following is the new proposed language for the Bend City Code to include backyard goats. This is based on the code from several cities that have recently voted to allow goats including Seattle and San Diego.

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I. Keeping Farm Animals. The purpose of this section is to regulate the raising and breeding of farm animals on residential lots within the City of Bend.  These activities are considered to be accessory uses subject to the following standards.

1. Types of animals allowed.

a. One (1) horse shall have a corral or pasture with a usable area of at least 1 acre; and for each additional horse, an additional 1/2 acre is required.

b. Cows, sheep, swine or other livestock shall not be kept on any parcel or lot with an area less than 5 acres.

c. No more than four (4) rabbits and/or chickens (hens only, no roosters) are permitted on parcels and lots 5,000 square feet or greater.

d. Goats may be kept if they are miniature, dwarf or pygmy. Up to two (2) goats are permitted on parcels and lots 5,000 square feet or greater.  Male goats must be neutered.  Offspring may be kept onsite for up to 12 weeks from birth.  

2. Sanitation.  Proper sanitation shall be maintained for all farm animals.  Proper sanitation includes:

a. Accumulation of waste prohibited

b. Odors resulting from the keeping of farm animals prohibited beyond property lines, and

c. storing all farm animal food in rodent-proof containers.

3. Fencing:  All fencing shall be designed and constructed to confine all farm animals within the owner’s property.

 4. Setbacks: All structures that house large farm animals shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from all existing adjacent residences and at least fifteen (15) feet from any interior or rear lot line.

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PLEASE ONLY SIGN IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF BEND, OR.  Thank you!

 

Links:

www.goatjusticeleague.org/Site/Legalizing_Goats.html​

http://www.bendbulletin.com/news/1606234-151/got-brambles-hire-a-herd-of-urban-goats#