Is what's good for the barnyard good for the backyard?
Lacombe County wants to know.
For many years the county has allowed farm animals on country residential properties three acres or larger. It has been tightly regulated though, with only two horses, cattle, pigs, donkeys, mules, sheep or goats or a dozen rabbits or fowl, such as ducks and chickens, allowed per property.
Those kinds of farm animals, as well as bees, are not allowed on smaller acreages or on the other types of rural residential properties in the county, such as hamlet or residential lake district lots.
The regulations are increasingly becoming a headache for county planning staff, who face frequent requests from acreage residents for additional animals, which in most cases are not allowed under the property's zoning.
A public open house has been set for 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Lacombe County's offices off Highway 12 at 40403 Range Road 27-4.
"Understanding our community's opinions and preference is invaluable for shaping the rules regarding animals in residential districts in Lacombe County," says the county in its open house invitation.
The county's focus is on livestock, chickens, bees or similar farm dwellers. Dogs, cats and other domestic pets are not included in this public consultation effort.
Following the open house, an online survey will open on the county's website at lacombecounty.com and will close on Dec. 1.
It is expected staff will come back with any proposed bylaw changes by February, with a public hearing taking place in March.
