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Backyard farming discussion to continue

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Tuesday, April 21, 2015 8:01 PM
Will Stone has trained his cow, Crash, to let his dog, Charlie, ride on the steer's back. The trio live in Mancos town limits and Stone sits on the Mancos Town Board.
A Mancos resident watches as her chickens roam her backyard in Mancos in 2013. The Mancos Town Board will discuss regulating backyard farming again in 2015.

Two years ago, the Mancos Town Board discussed backyard farming and its regulations.

In the end, the board voted to keep the town's laws - there are none - the same.

In 2013, Trustee Queenie Barz said she enjoyed hearing roosters crow, before voting against a proposal to regulate backyard farming.

On April 8, a handful of community members pleaded with the board to reconsider.

"Can you have six chickens or 60?" one resident asked. "If you allow livestock in town, let's regulate it."

Those who spoke said they were concerned about odors, noise and the location of animals in proximity to property lines.

Town Board member Will Stone, who owns a steer in town, said he would have to excuse himself from the discussion because he is heavily invested in backyard farming, but he hoped that the board would come up with a solution that was fair to everyone.

Mancos Town Administrator Andrea Phillips said will propose that the board hold two public forums, one May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mancos Community Center and the other May 12 from 5 to 7 at the Mancos Public Library.

In addition, Phillips proposes to send out paper surveys to residents in Mancos.

Board members will also consider the renewal of the liquor license for Mancos Liquor.

Board members will also discuss "accessory dwelling units," also known as mother-in-law units.

"From time to time, the town receives requests from citizens wishing to build a new Accessory Dwelling Unit on their lot or convert an existing structure into an ADU," a staff report from Phillips states.

The Planning and Zoning Commission is seeking the direction from the board on whether or not to allow these units.

"Right now we don't allow them in any residential district," Phillips said.

Phillips said Durango just went through this and is now allowing these units in some areas.

"I'm trying to get feedback from the board," Phillips said.

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