The Bellbrook City Council meeting on July 28, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding the newly proposed small livestock ordinance, which has raised various concerns among residents. The ordinance aims to regulate the keeping of small livestock, such as chickens, within residential areas, but many residents expressed confusion and dissatisfaction with its provisions.

One resident highlighted difficulties in finding the definition of "small livestock" as referenced in the ordinance, questioning which animals qualify under this term. Concerns were also raised about the requirement for a permit to keep small livestock, including inquiries about the permit's cost, the information it would require, and whether inspections of livestock shelters would be mandated.

The resident further questioned the rationale behind the allowed densities of livestock, noting that the limits do not seem proportional to lot sizes. This raised concerns about the practicality of maintaining a flock, especially during transitions when older birds are replaced with new ones. The resident suggested that a transition period similar to that allowed for beekeepers should be considered for small livestock.

Additional questions were posed regarding the shelter requirements for different types of small livestock, the feasibility of the shelter location rules, and the clarity of language used in the ordinance. The resident emphasized the need for clearer definitions and guidelines, particularly for those living on smaller lots or corner properties.

The discussion also touched on the implications of the ordinance for residents' rights to keep livestock in a manner that respects both their needs and those of their neighbors. The resident expressed a desire for more freedom in keeping backyard chickens without excessive government restrictions, drawing a comparison to the simplified regulations for homeschooling in Ohio.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the resident's concerns, indicating that further discussions and clarifications regarding the small livestock ordinance would be necessary to address the community's needs and ensure a balanced approach to livestock keeping in Bellbrook.