A foul situation?

PERKINS TWP. — Pending approval, a new state law for animals could have some far-reaching impacts for humans.The Ohio House is considering legislation to "allow residence owners to keep small livestock on property."In turn, this means it would limit regulations overseen by local governments — cities, townships and villages — to control sounds, smells and other unpleasantries associated with animals, namely chickens, roosters, rabbits, goats and sheep.Perkins Township officials, during a recent public meeting, expressed their disapproval of the proposed law, called House Bill 175.Through township administrator Gary Boyle, here are the main gripes:The areas allowing livestock in Perkins: "The township contains a large area that is zoned 'agricultural district,' which permits, among other uses, a range of agricultural uses, including livestock, on properties with a minimum acreage of 5 acres. Agricultural uses are also permitted in areas zoned "rural residential district.'"The areas forbidding livestock in Perkins: "Agricultural uses are not permitted in areas zoned 'residential districts.' In residential areas, the township currently has the ability to:• Prohibit agricultural on lots 1 acre in area or less• Regulate agricultural activity on lots greater than 1 acre but less than 5 acres; Agricultural use can occur if the property is at least 5 acres in area.• Prohibit agricultural use in a platted subdivision; Perkins zoning resolution follows that approach in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).The rules today: "Based on the township's current zoning regulations, the zoning inspector and code enforcement officer are able to address complaints from neighboring property owners regarding livestock."The state law proposal: "Proposed House Bill 175 would allow the owner of any residential property to 'keep, harbor, breed, or maintain small livestock' and would 'prohibit zoning authorities from regulating certain agricultural activities conducted on residential property for non-commercial purposes.'"The possible ramifications: "This proposed change to state law would eliminate the ability of local governments to establish zoning regulations prohibiting such agricultural use on residentially zoned properties, including those lots within a residential subdivision. This proposed bill would also specifically exempt such agricultural use from the other regulations related to agricultural uses contained in the Ohio Revised Code."The township's take: "The township does not support the proposed changes to the Ohio Revised Code. The township has the duty to enforce its zoning regulations. The basis for the township's zoning regulations is the Ohio Revised Code. In this regard, the township's present zoning complies with the Ohio Revised Code, and any complaints regarding non-compliance are investigated, and appropriate action taken to bring the use of a property into compliance with the zoning resolution and the Ohio Revised Code."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.If approved, House Bill 175 would allow property owners to keep small livestock on their residential properties and, thus, limit local government authority controlling them.