Agricultural Zoning for Small Livestock Keeping
Summary
Property owner Michael Schampton requested a rezone from R-2 to A-1 so he can keep his pygmy goats. Neighbors supported the change, noting the goats help keep the grass down in an adjacent retention pond that the owner is responsible for maintaining.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
None for the city.
The property owner gets to keep his goats legally, and neighbors benefit from the continued maintenance of the retention pond.
None identified.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2026
Residents strongly objected to rezoning a residential property to agricultural for raising goats, citing noise, pests, and property upkeep issues. The Council agreed and voted down the rezone.
Syracuse Arts Council - Aug 5, 2026
Property owner Michael Schampton requested a rezone from R-2 to A-1 so he can keep his pygmy goats. Neighbors supported the change, noting the goats help keep the grass down in an adjacent retention pond that the owner is responsible for maintaining.
Planning Commission - Aug 4, 2026
A property owner requested a rezone from R-2 Residential to A-1 Agricultural to legally keep nine pygmy goats. The planning commission reviewed animal point allowances and voted to recommend the change to the city council.
Planning Commission - May 6, 2025
The city is exploring new regulations to allow agritourism activities—like farm tours, corn mazes, and farm-themed event centers—in A-1 agricultural zones. This gives farmers a way to earn extra income and keep their land open, while setting rules to control noise, parking, and public safety.
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