A Facebook posting by the Jamestown’s Department of Development, Tuesday reminding residents that it is illegal to own chickens and pigs within the city’s limits. Submitted Photo

Old McDonald had a farm … but not inside the Jamestown city limits.

That should still be the case.

But, earlier this week, city Development Department officials issued a reminder via the department’s Facebook page that Jamestown residents can’t keep chickens, pigs or other barnyard animals in their homes or backyards.

Recently, the city has received complaints about residents keeping chickens in their yards as well as someone who owns a pig that has been seen being walked out in public, much like a canine.

According to a recent post on the city’s Department of Development’s Facebook page, city ordinance §300-305R-1 states single-family residential districts specifically restrict keeping specific animals as pets and livestock within city limits. Animals such as pigs and chickens are included in the regulation.

“Continuation of agricultural operations in existence at the time of the passage of this chapter, provided that no odor or dust-producing operations be conducted within 100 feet of any adjacent property line. New agricultural operations other than the cultivation of crops shall be prohibited as shall the housing of barn animals, including but not limited to cows, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ostriches and other similar livestock,” reads the regulation.

Crystal Surdyk the city’s Director of Development wrote in an email “The Department of Development would like to remind residents that city codes prohibit agricultural operations, other than the cultivation of crops, which includes the housing of barn animals, such as cows, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ostriches and other similar livestock, in residential districts. The keeping, feeding, or harboring of livestock, cloven-hoofed animals, equine or fowl has the potential to create unsanitary conditions and may facilitate the spread of disease which may present threats to public health, comfort and quality of life.”

Surdyk also provided clarification about the reported “pet” pig residing in city limits. The owners were cited for having a pet pig, but not for walking it, she said.

However, according to jamestownny.gov the city can or may issue a variance that could allow people to keep livestock. Before a variance is issued there are several rules and stipulations which apply and must be followed.

Applicants must address four key factors prior to the issuance of a variance to include – undue economic hardship; unique circumstances; if a variance is granted, it will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood and the variance can not be granted for any self-created/imposed hardship. Additionally, the statutory standard for granting a variance requires that the variance align with the spirit, purpose, and intent of the ordinance, ensuring public safety and achieving substantial justice.

After filling out a variance request form found at jamestownny.gov the completed form should be mailed Ellen Shadle, city principal planner, 200 East Third St. or emailed to her at shadle@jamestownny.gov.

Shadle told The Post-Journal this week, “I haven’t received any various requests for livestock yet.”