Brittany Lemons, 1411 E. Royerton Dr., Muncie, Indiana, appeared. She stated that they had met with a family in Dunkirk who had dwarf goats and that her kids loved them and that about a year ago they got the 6 chickens. She stated that when she got the animals, she did not know that she needed a variance since her neighbors had roosters. She stated that she had contacted animal control who referred her to the Township Trustee who told her that she had enough room for 10 goats. She stated that the whole backyard was sectioned for the garden and animals and that they had a 4’ fence inside the 6’perimeter fence for the goats. She stated that they had talked to the neighbors nearby and there were no complaints even after they sent the notices out for the meeting. She stated that her son does routine obstacle courses with the goats and that he was very involved in taking care of them.

Ms. Mathewson asked how this matter came to be.

Ms. Swackhamer stated that the office had received a phone call complaining about the animals which is where this started, and that 2 calls in support had also been received.

Ms. Fritch asked for clarification since female goats could have babies, would additional goats be permitted.

Ms. Swackhamer stated that the request was for 3 goats, 7 hens, and 1 rooster, so 3 would be the maximum number of goats.

Ms. Lemons stated that if they would breed the goats, they would not do that at her property and the baby would not come back.

Ms. Mathewson asked if they would be ok if they said they could not have the rooster.

Ms. Lemons stated that she would be willing to do that but she would be heart-broken because she has had him since he was a day old. She stated that she got him last year before Easter and that her closest neighbors had not complained.

Ms. Swackhamer asked about the structures in the backyard and if the animals were always inside the fence.

Ms. Lemons stated yes.

Ms. Fritch asked if they were always inside the white fence.

Ms. Lemons stated yes. She stated that if they were in the backyard they might let them out of their fence, but that the perimeter fence still kept them on the property.

James Nixon, adjacent owner, appeared in support. He stated that with the privacy fence he did not even know that the animals were there and that they were only 20’ from his garage. He stated that he had not noticed noise or odors and that he had no problem at all.

No one appeared in opposition.

Ms. Fritch made a motion to approve BZA 27-26 the appeal filed by Brittany and Cole Lemons with the hardship as stated in the application with the condition that the variance be for the applicant only and will not transfer with the property. Mr. Billington seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Mr.