Rabbits, chickens and quail could be the only livestock allowed in Mancos, if the town board agrees with the recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
During a special meeting on Feb. 23, the commission voted 3-1 to recommend allowing 12 hens, 12 quail and eight rabbits at residences.
The commission also recommended prohibiting exotic animals, aquaculture and roosters from town, according to town documents.
Livestock such as goats, sheep, ducks, bees and other animals would be allowed only in agricultural residential zones, which includes two areas of town around the Mancos Valley Inn and a strip north of the Country West Motel.
Mancos doesn’t have regulations regarding livestock, but that could change after town trustees take up the recommendations this month
“It would be good if could get this wrapped up because the board has been working on it for quite some time,” said Mayor Rachael Simbeck.
Since January, the town board invited the public to two planning commission meetings and a public hearing to speak on the issue.
The board also discussed the issue in October and December.
Last summer, the town mailed 400 surveys and received 180 responses from residents. More than 75 percent of respondents supported allowing chickens and rabbits within town limits.
Ducks and bees also received more than 50 percent approval. Ponds and tanks came in with the fifth, with 41 percent of residents supporting them.
A community task force that reviewed the survey recommended a special-use permit for livestock other than chickens, bees, rabbits and acquaculture.
Many in town also supported coops and enclosures for animals, according to the survey.
Seemingly in line with this sentiment, the planning commission recommended allowed livestock be kept within a fenced yard during the day and in a coop or hutch at night.
No one who has animals other than hens, quail and rabbits outside the agricultural-residential zones would be allowed to keep them under the recommended rules.
However, the commission did not include a time limit for residents to come into compliance with the new rules, if they are adopted.
The public has a chance to comment on the rules March 9 and 23 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
If the board doesn’t make a decision this month, the issue will be passed to a board that will include three new trustees who take office in April.
