The City of Brighton is looking for public feedback on a proposal to allow urban goat keeping within city limits. Staff from the city’s Community Development and Police departments have been directed by City Council to draft a proposal to amend the Municipal Code to permit goat keeping as an accessory use to residential properties within the city.
Brighton has a long agricultural history dating back to the city’s founder, Daniel Carmichael. According to city staff, residents have expressed interest in expanding urban livestock options. The benefits of urban goat keeping include small space requirements, production of fresh milk, natural property maintenance and support, and the comparable nature to family pets. Concerns include noise and smell and proper training and care of goats. After meeting with experts from Colorado State University Extension and review of other similar codes, city staff have come up with a proposal outline.
The proposal falls within the City of Brighton strategic plan of a Recognizable and Well-Planned Community. It would restrict permissible goats to female pygmy or dwarf breeds, require a minimum and maximum of two goats per property, and the goats would count towards the maximum of four animals allowed for a residence. The goats would be allowed on single-family detached properties, but wouldn’t restrict farming uses already allowed. Each goat would require a minimum of 130 square feet of enclosed outdoor space, plus an enclosed shelter. Shelters and fencing must meet city standards based on zoning.
Based on the proposal, a permit or license may be required to keep goats. Owners of goats that become a nuisance or roam without a leash off property would be subject to a written warning and/or summons.
The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8BY8BNS (in English) or https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8GR2J5Q (in Spanish). The online survey will be closed on July 15.
If you have any further questions, please contact Shannon McDowell, Long Range Planner for the City of Brighton, at smcdowell@brightonco.gov.