As they're commonly considered livestock, goats and sheep are permitted in agricultural zoning districts. If you live in a residential zone, you need to make sure livestock are permitted in your area before keeping them in your backyard. This involves contacting your local zoning office, animal control, or code enforcement office. Below is a list of seven West Virginia municipalities that allow residents to own goats and sheep.
Parkersburg, WV
In Parkersburg, WV, you can have backyard goats and sheep but not without first obtaining a variance from the Director of Code Enforcement. According to Parkersburg City Code 505.11, you may be granted a variance by the Director provided you meet certain conditions and requirements. Before being granted a variance, the Director will inspect your property and determine whether there is enough space to confine the animals, whether the animals are likely to be a public nuisance, and whether you maintain adequate hygiene conditions. Any person requesting a variance will pay a non-reimbursable fee of $25 upon filing for such variance, according to the city code.
Huntington, WV
You can own goats or sheep in Huntington, WV, but not without first obtaining a permit from the health officer. Per Huntington City Code 505.07, the health officer may grant you a permit to keep livestock under "such conditions as may be prescribed by him." If you already have goats, you may be allowed to keep them. But when they are deceased, you can't replace them without a permit.
Wheeling, WV
In Wheeling, WV, a permit from the City Manager is required to keep goats and sheep. According to Wheeling City Code 505.02, the City Manager will prescribe and may inspect the conditions under which such animals may be kept prior to granting a permit. As an animal permit holder, you should not permit your goats or sheep to run at large within the City. All stables or places where goats or sheep are kept are required to be kept at all times in a wholesome and clean condition.
Martinsburg, WV
You can own goats and sheep in Martinsburg, WV, provided you reside in a Rural Agricultural zoning district. According to Martinsburg City Code 505.07, "no person shall keep, raise, stable or otherwise harbor any goats or sheep at any place within the City, except in those areas zoned Rural Agricultural within the City."
Weirton, WV
According to Weirton City Code § 505.14, it's unlawful for any person to keep within the city limits any livestock or farm animals, including, but not limited to sheep and goats without first obtaining a city license or permit, which may be issued by special action of the City Council. Violating Code § 505.14 is considered a misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Fairmont, WV
In Fairmont, WV, you can own goats and sheep provided you don't keep them within 50 yards of any dwelling, church, school, hospital, or any other building used for human occupancy, or any public street. This distance requirement may be reduced provided, however, that the Board of Adjustment determines that the animals will not create a health hazard and that they are kept in an enclosure maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and free from all refuse. According to Fairmont's livestock ordinance, you should not permit any decaying food, or any refuse of any kind to remain in your animal enclosure.
Clarksburg, WV
In Clarksburg, WV, you can keep miniature goats in your backyard provided you have the required lot size. Only miniature, pygmy, or dwarf goats, which are regulated as small animals under the city's livestock ordinance, are allowed. Sheep and standard-sized goats aren't permitted. On lots of at least 20,000 square feet, no more than 4 miniature goats may be kept. One additional miniature goat is allowed for every additional 5,000 square feet of lot area over 20,000 square feet.
All miniature goats should be provided with appropriate shelter from the elements. Further, they should be provided with appropriate fencing to ensure they remain on their owner's property at all times. Accessory structures for two or more miniature goats should be situated at least 10 feet from any other lot in a residential zone.
Tags:
blog