Change Ordinances, Grow Categories

The growing interest in urban and hobby farming can lead to growing categories for home improvement retailers as a wider variety of animals appeals to homeowners. According to Hobby Farms, the animals that are best suited for urban farming include chickens, rabbits, ducks, quail, pygmy goats and Dexter cattle. However, caring for these animals in urban and suburban settings is not without controversy or restrictions.

In many cities, the laws don’t match up with the trends. Fortunately, home improvement and lawn and garden retailers are in a unique position to provide not only information pertaining to local ordinances but also help in changing laws based on customer interest. Here’s how:

Resources to learn more about livestock ordinances:

• Local zoning board office
• Building inspectors
• City website: search for relevant ordinances or bylaws (specifically under nuisance, animal control, and keeping of animals)
• Homeowners’ associations
• Condominium rules

Steps for changing local zoning restrictions:

• Use the resources above to learn about the existing ordinances.
• Ask customers and neighbors what they think of the laws.
• Find out the law’s history by talking to city council members. Ask if anyone has tried to change the law recently. You may have to wait until the time is right for change.
• Pitch your idea. Meet with a receptive city council member and let him or her know what you’re trying to do. The councilperson may introduce you to city staff who can help.
• Research the laws in surrounding cities and speak with staff at stores in those areas to learn more about complaints and how they handled them.
• Create and communicate with a group of pro urban farming citizens for input and support. Use your store as a place for collecting supporters and spreading the word.
• Look online for established ordinances and use them as the foundation for yours. Most places license individual animals, which creates income for the city.
• When you are ready, get on the city council meeting agenda and inform supporters when the meeting will take place so they can speak in support of the new ordinance.

Be prepared to compromise. You may not get exactly what you want, but an allowance for some animals opens the door to future progress.