Warren County Planning Commission members are continuing their discussion regarding a proposal to allow goats in residential areas in municipalities covered by the county’s zoning ordinance.

A proposal for a change in regulations was made last month by two Tidioute Borough residents who have four goats that will be smaller than most dogs. No action was taken Tuesday as Planning Director Michael Lyon outlined how legal counsel is needed as part of this discussion.

Lyon told the commission on Tuesday that he polled the municipalities under the ordinance to get feedback on a potential setback change.

“All did respond,” he said. “Many don’t want any change to the 150 foot setback.”

He said some were open to an ordinance similar to the county’s backyard chicken regulations. Lyon also said he looked at regulations in other places which included setbacks ranging from 25 to 300 feet while some required minimum acreage.

“That’s one aspect of what we’re looking at here,” he said.

The other? Laws regarding emotional support animals. Lyon said he’s working with Solicitor Nathaniel Schmidt, who is researching those laws and recommended the discussion be tabled until March.

“It’s very complex,” Lyon said.

Commission chair Paul Pascuzzi suggested reviewing “non-commercial keeping of livestock” like goats, pigs and small horses “so we don’t go down this road again in a few months.” Lyon outlined that the emotional support animal piece could come down to a change in the zoning ordinance or a county ordinance outside of zoning.

Commission member Jeff Zariczny called such an ordinance a “slippery slope.”

“What about the guy up the street who has Mr. Ed in his garage?” he said. “Setbacks are still going to come into play.”

“Our backyard chicken ordinance is really in peril,” he added.

Emily Sweitzer, who raised the issue with the commission last month, pointed out that there is no definition of livestock in the county zoning ordinance and that, when there is ambiguity, a decision should be made in the favor of the property owner, according to state regulations.

“We’re not in violation,” she said, asking that the violation be vacated.

Pascuzzi said the commission is “not here to make that decision. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.”

“We don’t have all the facts yet,” Lyon said, indicating that he has “no doubt” some kind of emotional support animal ordinance will come from this issue.

“It’s going to exist,” he said. The issue is “probably one of the most complex ones we’ve had to deal with.”