Proposed change to city code would exempt agricultural land from restrictions on farm animals, hunting and burning – The Republic News
Proposed change to city code would exempt agricultural land from ... The Republic
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Planning Officials Propose Exemptions for Agricultural Properties to Promote Annexation
Introduction
City officials in Columbus are proposing changes to city laws to incentivize annexation by exempting large agricultural properties from certain regulations. The aim is to address the challenge of finding suitable land for new developments that meet the requirements for annexation and access to city services. This report will discuss the proposed changes and their potential impact on sustainable development goals.
Background
The Columbus City Council will review an ordinance amending the municipal code to implement the proposed exemptions. The first reading of the ordinance will take place on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of Columbus City Hall. The ordinance will require a second reading for full approval.
Shovel-Ready Land and Annexation Eligibility
Jeff Bergman, the city/county planning director, highlighted the difficulty of finding shovel-ready land for various city growth needs, including new homes and industrial sites. To be eligible for annexation, properties must meet specific requirements, such as access to city services and contiguity with current city limits. Indiana law mandates that land must be at least 12.5% contiguous with existing city limits to qualify for annexation.
Challenges and Opposition to Annexation
Bergman explained that the contiguity requirement often hinders property owners from pursuing annexation and development. In many cases, neighboring property owners who primarily use their land for farming are opposed to annexation due to concerns about losing property rights, such as the ability to have farm animals, burn, and hunt on their land. These activities are largely prohibited within city limits.
Proposed Exemptions for Agricultural Properties
The proposed amendments to the municipal code aim to exempt agricultural properties within city limits that are zoned as such and cover an area of over 35 acres from the aforementioned prohibitions. These exemptions would apply to a single property or immediately adjacent properties under the same ownership that meet the specified criteria.
Stipulations and Limitations
The proposed changes include certain stipulations. For instance, hunting would be allowed on eligible properties that meet the criteria, except for those adjacent to specific land uses such as nursing homes, community centers, schools, and outdoor parks. Additionally, property owners conducting controlled burns must ensure that the fire is attended at all times and does not create air quality problems or hazards. All fires must comply with state and federal air quality standards and cannot be conducted under unfavorable weather conditions determined by the fire chief or their designee.
Applicability of Changes
If approved, the proposed changes would apply to both newly-annexed properties and those already within the city that meet the specified criteria. This would provide property owners with greater flexibility in utilizing their land while promoting annexation and city growth.
Conclusion
The proposed exemptions for agricultural properties in Columbus aim to address the challenges of finding suitable land for annexation and development. By allowing property owners to maintain certain rights and activities on their land, the city hopes to make annexation more attractive. These changes align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting inclusive and sustainable urbanization.
Where to Learn More
- To see a copy of the proposed changes, visit columbus.in.gov/clerk-treasurer/ and click on “City Council Agendas.” Then click on “Current Agenda.”
- To see the existing city code, visit the same website and click on “Municipal Code.” The database is current through June of 2023.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses proposed changes to city laws and regulations in order to make annexation more attractive. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. The proposed changes aim to address the challenge of finding shovel-ready land for new homes and industrial sites, which is a key aspect of sustainable urban development.
Additionally, the article mentions the impact on agricultural properties and their owners. This connects to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The proposed changes seek to address the concerns of neighboring property owners who are primarily engaged in farming and have little intent for development.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts.
The proposed changes to city laws and regulations aim to facilitate annexation and the development of shovel-ready land for housing and industrial sites. This aligns with SDG 11.1, which focuses on ensuring access to adequate housing and basic services for all.
Furthermore, the exemptions for agricultural properties address the concerns of neighboring property owners engaged in farming. This reflects the target of integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into local planning and development processes, as stated in SDG 15.9.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:
- Number of properties exempted from certain city laws
- Number of properties meeting the criteria for exemptions
- Number of newly-annexed properties benefiting from the proposed changes
- Extent of access to adequate housing and basic services in newly-developed areas
- Extent of integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values in local planning and development processes
These indicators can help track the implementation and effectiveness of the proposed changes in achieving the targets of SDG 11.1 and SDG 15.9.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Number of properties exempted from certain city laws – Number of properties meeting the criteria for exemptions – Number of newly-annexed properties benefiting from the proposed changes – Extent of access to adequate housing and basic services in newly-developed areas |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | SDG 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts. | – Number of properties exempted from certain city laws – Number of properties meeting the criteria for exemptions – Extent of integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values in local planning and development processes |
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Source: therepublic.com
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