Yorba Linda : Hearing Set on Keeping Horses in Front Yards

A public hearing to discuss whether residents should be required to apply for conditional use permits to keep horses in front yards has been set for Dec. 1.

After the city’s Planning Commission failed to resolve the issue on Oct. 15, the hearing tentatively had been slated for Nov. 17.

However, public notices were sent out for the later hearing date, City Clerk Dianna M. Higdon said.

At the center of the dispute is Jack and Ivy Hamlett, who hope to build box stalls to hold four horses in the front yard of their home in the 18000 block of Villa Terrace.

The city currently allows horses to be kept in front yards as long as the lot setback meets a minimum depth.

Unhappy at the idea of having a stable in the front yard and concerned that a flood channel in front of the property could become contaminated, neighbors are asking for the zoning ordinance to be amended, either to prohibit horses in front yards or to require conditional use permits, Community Development Director Phil Paxton said.

“This is a big issue with a small number of people,” said Paxton, who estimated 30 people attended the Oct. 15 Planning Commission meeting.

At that meeting, the commission, with one member missing, split the vote 2 to 2.