Zoning- does anyone have horses in residential zoning?

[ASB_Stars]

I’ve been involved with seeking a special exception as a zoning variance, to allow an equestrian center to continue to function as a business, in that location. Not a problem. My home has a non-conforming use that came with the property.

A couple of things- first, make the purchase contingent on obtaining favorable zoning- be very specific with your language, and second, hire whoever the big gun attorney is who gets it done in that town. Adjust the purchase price accordingly.

It can be done, but be sure that it is really what you want.

[clanter]

Don’t ever, ever take word of mouth from any town/state official. Get it in writing or copies of exactly what is needed, required, allowed, etc.

and that is how I ended up on Planning & Zoning for ten years after we built oor barn the city told me to tear it down as it was too close to side property lines… problem for the city was I had it all in writing where they gave me incorrect set backs

Nevertheless I still had to apply for a variance even though it was the city’s error.

[2DogsFarm]

I’d keep looking.
Zoning Boards/Planning Commissions can be quirky {apology to clanter;)}
Around here it is very Mayberry - down to the cookies & lemonade served at hearings.
And neighbors within a 1mi radius get letters informing them of any requests for a variance so they can attend the hearing & protest.

My property is zoned for Residential/Agricultural use, but even so the zoning has changed since I moved here so that a new owner might have to petition to have more than one “large animal” on the 5ac.

[trubandloki]

I just want to point out that in making an offer with such a tricky contingency do not be surprised if the seller is not interested.

[iluvponies]

[QUOTE=clanter;8694246]
is it in a town? if not and within 500ft of a town the county P&Z board handles this

http://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/planning/[/QUOTE]

This is helpful. Thank you!

[Em_Darst]

Can someone please help me? I would like one horse, but I live in a neighborhood in North Branch MN with covinents that have rules on animals. I remember one time, someone was almost able to has have a professional dog sitting business, but the neighbors didn’t agree so they couldn’t. Does that mean if my neighbors agreed I could have a horse? I have a fairly large property. Someone please help!

[PeteyPie]

OP, I would pass on this property. Since the new zoning prohibits horses I would assume the city or county is moving in that direction purposefully, so I wouldn’t fight it. It’s very possible that you will not be successful with getting a variance. Also, as Where’sMyWhite pointed out, you are not going to have a healthy population of fellow horse owners to lobby for and support your interests. Look for a property with like-minded home owners. There are so many benefits to having horse-friendly neighbors.

Another thought is to look at it from a sympathetic poInt of view of your non-horse owning neighbors. Why would you want to move into a neighborhood and push to create what amounts to a nuisance? It’s not as if you and your horses were there all along.

[ryansgirl]

@PeteyPie

OP, I would pass on this property. Since the new zoning prohibits horses I would assume the city or county is moving in that direction purposefully, so I wouldn’t fight it. It’s very possible that you will not be successful with getting a variance. Also, as Where’sMyWhite pointed out, you are not going to have a healthy population of fellow horse owners to lobby for and support your interests. Look for a property with like-minded home owners. There are so many benefits to having horse-friendly neighbors.

Another thought is to look at it from a sympathetic poInt of view of your non-horse owning neighbors. Why would you want to move into a neighborhood and push to create what amounts to a nuisance? It’s not as if you and your horses were there all along.

Old thread that was bumped.

[ryansgirl]

@Em Darst

Can someone please help me? I would like one horse, but I live in a neighborhood in North Branch MN with covinents that have rules on animals. I remember one time, someone was almost able to has have a professional dog sitting business, but the neighbors didn’t agree so they couldn’t. Does that mean if my neighbors agreed I could have a horse? I have a fairly large property. Someone please help!

You need to meet with your town officials and don’t just take their word - get everything in writing. You need to read and understand your town’s zoning requirements.

[PeteyPie]

@ryansgirl

Old thread that was bumped.

Thanks. I didn’t catch that.

[clanter]

@hosspuller

You have two problems. One. The neighborhood covenants. If they restrict livestock,

that question was “no pets”… which is different than livestock

as “pets” include caged birds, fish or whatever and if those are not restricted a “no pet rule” most likely would be deemed selective enforcement unless all pets fell under the clause

[hosspuller]

Clanter… Em Darst only said covenants “have rules on animals” The North Branch city code differentiates : Livestock shall be defined as any animals (excluding rabbits, dogs, and cats)

[SonnysMom]

@clanter

that question was “no pets”… which is different than livestock

as “pets” include caged birds, fish or whatever and if those are not restricted a “no pet rule” most likely would be deemed selective enforcement unless all pets fell under the clause

Or it could have been that it was residential and they wanted to run a pet sitting business. The neighbors may not have wanted the additional traffic or the added noise of extra barking dogs.

Previous owners of my house ran a boarding kennel and dog grooming business on my property in a residential neighhood. They kept it under the state limit of 25 so did not need to get a state kennel license. They did not get a zoning variance. When the neighbor complained about the dogs that were constantly barking at her business they lied to the zoning officer and told him they were their personal dogs. My neighbor is fine with dogs. Just not loud barking dogs that are only there since she was running a business in a residential neighborhood.

Em Darst- you need to talk with the officials in your town and if you are part of a HOA you need to contact them. In my particular township if the neighbors agreed there are certain zoning variances I can get. Others I would not even if the neighbors agreed. I am not subject to a HOA. Every township/municipality/neighborhood/HOA have different rules and procedures you need to check with yours to see what they are. Get the response in writing.

[happilyretired]

In addition to zoning check to be sure you wouldn’t be required to get a “Contingent Use Permit” … (ask me how I know). That can also involve a lengthy process with the county planning and zoning board that includes public input/comment and a hearing. As others have said these processes can easily take 3-4 months to complete.

[js]

@Where'sMyWhite

IMO, if, where this house is located, being zoned residential means no horses and you are hoping for a variance, just move along to a different property.

I suspect that even if you get a variance to allow horses, you will hear no end of b*tching from all the neighbors…

Worth repeating!