[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6486683,"mediaKeyId","5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac","parentId",5489733,"title","Bellbrook council tables ordinance creating rules for backyard \"small livestock\" after public concerns","audioSeconds",2223,"startMs",1578000,"endMs",3801000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac&start=1578&end=3801","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac/thumbnail_1578000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486683/Ohio/Bellbrook-council-tables-ordinance-creating-rules-for-backyard-small-livestock-after-public-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486683-70bce4a656d3769c2a6cf4572c0c092e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770392257&Signature=DYl3~NQPU32i~aFBCAjh~eGQRGHoNjmm1UtPmVGFISprJYVGgupx4mXeHOLNyXyZGP-r5hVadmcZudJtiQwcPfO7z7-paMQO20C38mtbKL6NibPRrUmPoT2yxKB7qbRJlpdASg37DhRk2319IlsSfR9p2R6reRKgPz5328HMZOoUS~K1GrQ-cxD1bdd-ArwhMbqgKsFHw5X3mMuu7D4dekG9UCy7-V8BZSL6im6j~wOIE7aIXRZkOcTd1CB4pUoMRLbUHixdpGATArs41jLwFHbwVi0YfPZoiOji2zNR3ITvqUKhJt-N4RupdZ4wBt9jc-pnrQFVJmQLyNhVqup24w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellbrook","date","2025-07-28T00:00:00Z","article","Bellbrook City Council on Monday postponed a vote on Ordinance 2025‑O‑12, a zoning change that would add Section 18.41 to allow the keeping of \"small livestock\" in single‑family residential areas under a city zoning permit. The council closed the public hearing after extended comment and directed staff to return with amendments addressing transition periods for adding birds, butchering language and whether more than one sheltering structure should be allowed.

The ordinance as introduced requires a zoning permit from the community development administrator and sets density limits by lot size: lots smaller than 0.5 acre — up to three small livestock animals; 0.5 to under 1 acre — up to six; 1 to 2.5 acres — up to 12; and 2.5 to under 5 acres — up to 15. It would require an outdoor, covered, predator‑proof shelter with at least 4 square feet per animal, locate any shelter in the rear yard at least 50 feet from another residential building (and at least 25 feet from an abutting property line), and limit animals to personal or household use (sale of eggs or meat prohibited in residential zones).

Resident Rebecca Langdon, who spoke at length during the public comment period, said she supports backyard chickens but raised multiple questions about definitions, permit requirements, density and the practical effect of setbacks on small lots. \"I would like the freedom to have backyard chickens in a way that's respectful to my neighbors,\" Langdon said, describing concerns over the ordinance's setback, the one‑structure limit and the lack of a clear transition allowance when replacing flocks.

City Manager Rob (City Manager Rob) and others told council the draft covers only the zoning code portion and relies on Chapter 6.18 (animal code) for definitions. Rob said the zoning permit is intended to be similar to permits for accessory structures such as sheds or pools and \"is merely the same simple permitting process that would be for any other accessory structure,\" and does not create routine inspections of animals or homes.

Council members repeatedly said a variance process would remain available for properties with unusual configurations, and several members asked staff to consider specific revisions. Deputy Mayor Ernie Havens and Councilman Greenwood noted enforcement generally operates on a complaint basis and emphasized the ordinance aims to protect neighbors from poorly maintained animals while allowing reasonable home use. Councilwoman Cyphers, Councilman Ashley and Councilman Hoke each asked that staff refine language on transition periods (for adding new birds), clarify butchering limits and reconsider the \"one shelter\" restriction to allow different species to be housed separately.

After discussion, council agreed to table the ordinance to permit staff to draft amendments reflecting the evening's feedback and to circulate revised language in advance of the next meeting. No final vote on the ordinance was taken.

Council and staff said the next steps will include drafting targeted amendments, circulating them to council members for review and scheduling a new public hearing when changes are ready. The council noted Article 18.41 is intended to work together with a later amendment to Chapter 6.18, which staff said will be introduced after the zoning ordinance is finalized.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellbrook - July 28, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Bellbrook City Council on Monday postponed a vote on Ordinance 2025‑O‑12, a zoning change that would add Section 18.41 to allow the keeping of \"small livestock\" in single‑family residential areas under a city zoning permit.","taxTitle","Bellbrook City Council, Bellbrook, Greene County, Ohio","taxId",72802,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486669,"Resident raises safety concern for alley near Upper Bellbrook Road; city to have service department review",257,304000,561000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac&start=304&end=561","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac/thumbnail_304000.jpg","/articles/6486669/Ohio/Resident-raises-safety-concern-for-alley-near-Upper-Bellbrook-Road-city-to-have-service-department-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486669-93626cf2a2cd5e39f92c190ad0a3faec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770395601&Signature=Ret8JLPUmPTh-Re7Z-rm77aljSu7h99GRCtA2bYQSCyRh1p4KN1~iYqevJAbRhpKPFqlE5Te-tZrO17lW2D-BqFtDXFSGX5pLcShB83v~dlkflXpeECdaKxFiZ1UYTfbVvsXnuJUhpRt2FS28kxTfo6wb3NZrxYlKbghhoBSqq2G6XQltpuVgyiHqqb8VyXdJ6mz5rpuLcu7g3rp1S6leLfV59yQRt8NWya2DQxO1H9MbUOePtXH4hwt5PRD8z7t-B81H2vMeFw~r9wWmQoQVolmr1vN2bwg3MUTPFtPTlflXO~j5mgKsYNvI3bTfqnzWxb2hfRdsKB~AeWORagl-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kevin Price of 3249 Spillway Court told Bellbrook City Council about two incidents where children on bicycles crossed in front of his vehicle while he was exiting a narrow alley on Upper Bellbrook Road near the post office. Price said the embankment and proximity of an apartment building reduce visibility and increase the risk to both drivers and children.

\"I think that this narrow alley sandwiched between the embankment, the apartment building presents a significant hazard,\" Price said, recounting an encounter with an 8‑year‑old and a separate incident involving a boy he estimated to be 11 or 12. He suggested the alley be made one‑way (permit eastbound entry but not westbound exit) as a possible mitigation and asked the city to consider options before an accident occurs.

Mayor Schweller thanked Price and said, \"We'll have the service department look at it and see what options are out there.\" No further action was scheduled; the city indicated staff will evaluate visibility, signage and other operational fixes.","A resident described two near‑misses involving children on bicycles exiting a narrow alley off Upper Bellbrook Road and asked the city to consider making the alley one‑way or other measures. Mayor said the service department will inspect and evaluate options.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486673,"Council approves supplemental appropriation, raises capital threshold and ratifies fund transfers",594,3737000,4331000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac&start=3737&end=4331","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac/thumbnail_3737000.jpg","/articles/6486673/Ohio/Council-approves-supplemental-appropriation-raises-capital-threshold-and-ratifies-fund-transfers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486673-77ac6b94aa00cf32f088cbd89b38f536/orig.mp4?Expires=1770389979&Signature=M2b-WBHak3hhyRTSS96P364kCb~qEVo~MBHVsyr~nrOZYoN1ZZMkKzTKj2DKEC-ijSi7IkK~3ZyFuE72PEsnx0Nh6p4OZHhjqZ~U5oHw294I-XRtUz6xsQaY~nIER25pXzhQjl3rAo9bU9rST4danDuKQLLx6gZ-pgRxLkWXNTm7HlXR-O29OtWvUaZHvjx~ywf-IA8z~~I4eOe-lZDitz~JfE05kXpl~UL62DUqUH8dsBmUZxd8VUJFwA2QeuVzAfCbygUQgM9s9iBuBDHs8kOkTjpJgz0u1chEo82BDnjgGsbBSmeyp2t7M0xHK5F3oBiQHu7iZBBA6co7h0w2Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bellbrook City Council voted Monday to introduce and adopt Ordinance 2025‑O‑13, a supplemental appropriation to return an OPWC grant reimbursement to the capital fund and close out accounting for the Main Street project. City staff said the $440,000 appropriation reimburses an advance the city made while awaiting grant reimbursement from the Ohio Public Works Commission.

On a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025‑O‑13 at introduction, the council approved the emergency appropriation to reconcile the capital and general fund entries. City Manager Rob said the action is largely an accounting step: \"We advanced the money in anticipation of receipt of this grant...Now the actual money has been received, and although the technical procedure is to appropriate the money, we are appropriating it so that we can expense it back into the general fund.\" The ordinance passed by recorded vote with all members voting yea.

Council also adopted Resolution 2025‑R‑15, authorizing a retroactive increase of the city's capital asset capitalization threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 effective Jan. 1, 2025. Rob told council this adjustment follows guidance from audit teams and state practice changes to reduce the administrative burden of capitalizing numerous lower‑cost supply items.

Finally, Council adopted Resolution 2025‑R‑16 to ratify transfers and advances among funds necessary for city operations, again made retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025. Staff said the transfers include returning the OPWC funds to the capital fund and otherwise organizing appropriations to align with the 2025 audit period.

All three measures were approved by the council in roll‑call votes.","Bellbrook City Council introduced and adopted an emergency supplemental appropriation for $440,000 tied to an OPWC grant for the Main Street project (Ordinance 2025‑O‑13) and adopted two resolutions: R‑15 raising the capital asset threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025, and R‑16 ratifying intra‑fund transfers and advances.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486678,"Bellbrook council bans adult‑use cannabis businesses, adopts ordinance",429,1160000,1589000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac&start=1160&end=1589","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5489733-c1d23049b6ad26cdf674d48c54dac6ac/thumbnail_1160000.jpg","/articles/6486678/Ohio/Bellbrook-council-bans-adultuse-cannabis-businesses-adopts-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486678-90a1b91bace0a2885c7d74cad97cbebe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770390577&Signature=eToM3s7GXuiw0e2wzcCTfVzWxQ0nzgnyokchRx~x8ibGBl3h1RvwtHzHJIBsi0Wi3kyLfX6ujFoc3Vk7BwUGEz1XC4rcNogaVdcynqPQHIUaeUrp0XhMiiHX1X-HcfLiKrJ2nK9rAKAlykC-6e3rQ0vif6c-HyJe1MjKrLHu0-PGrwRs55RFd1rbFoDI8lMDCT21T95pRDkkfO-YUqHeWdm1~-QRmm-I~urAe9YOI61iMgArSoNPTVcvs4FpdCKa9aSxU2RyJPqA9WYk~Q5qQS1mVn8ssEq7Pu~IouyPRd5hLNvTeEUMLk4VJpDBq2Yab3JRR9vatq-3altLDT4OLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bellbrook City Council on July 28 adopted Ordinance 2025‑O‑11, which replaces the city's existing sale‑of‑drug‑paraphernalia chapter with a new chapter titled \"recreational marijuana\" and establishes a permanent prohibition on adult‑use cannabis operators in the city.

Councilman Hoke read the ordinance as introduced, and City Manager Rob explained the measure follows a moratorium and local review of state law and community input. \"The moratorium was the temporary measure...after reviewing all that, it appears to be in the best interest of the community to make that status permanent,\" Rob said, noting Bellbrook's limited retail space and concerns about existing businesses selling other intoxicating products.

Council members questioned tax‑revenue implications; Rob said the local tax benefit appeared limited given state and local tax rules and Bellbrook's small retail footprint. No members of the public spoke for or against the ordinance during the public hearing.

On a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025‑O‑11, the council voted yea: Councilman TJ Ashley (Yea), Councilwoman Cyphers (Yea), Councilman Forrest Greenwood (Yes), Councilman Brady Hardy (Yes), Deputy Mayor Ernie Havens (Yes), Councilman Hoke (Yea), and Mayor Mary Schweller (Yes). The mayor announced \"Motion carries.\"","Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2025‑O‑11, replacing the sale‑of‑drug‑paraphernalia chapter with a \"recreational marijuana\" chapter and using authority under Ohio law to prohibit adult‑use cannabis operators within city limits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bellbrook council tables ordinance creating rules for backyard "small livestock" after public concerns

Resident raises safety concern for alley near Upper Bellbrook Road; city to have service department review

Council approves supplemental appropriation, raises capital threshold and ratifies fund transfers

Bellbrook council bans adult‑use cannabis businesses, adopts ordinance