2017.03.27 Council Agenda Item 14
Summary
Introduction of amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Use of Parks & Public Grounds, to address pets in parks and public lands.
A public comment period will not be included with this item.
ACTION: Schedule public hearing.
Description
The proposed amendments have been vetted by two town appointed committees, LMAC (Land Management and Advisory Committee) and PACPAC (Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee) which culminated in two public forum meetings, town council presentations as well as the Ordinance Committee. The proposed amendments include updating leash requirements to require pets be leashed within 300 feet of parking areas and trailheads at all properties, limiting pet access to parcels during the breeding season at three conservation areas (Hadlock Community Forest, North Falmouth Community Forest and Suckfish Brook Conservation Area) and prohibiting pets on one of the Town’s most sensitive conservation areas (Riverpoint).
History:
The Land Management and Acquisition Committee, along with the Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee, has viewed current regulations on pets in parks and public lands and developed recommendations for new regulations that would apply to dogs. The committee held two public forums earlier this year, evaluated unique circumstances for each individual parcel and park, and reviewed regulations from other communities. The attached presentation describes the committee's process and recommendations.
