Family says city’s interpretation of own rules are in conflict.

A Rolling Bay family says the city is giving mixed signals in the enforcement of its land use policies, by approving a backyard goat pasture last year, and then issuing a letter of noncompliance this month.

“I’m very disappointed with the adults who run our community (and) that they can change how they interpret the law from year to year…” said Maddie Gander, 11, who is raising a pair of Nubian goats on the family’s two acre Falk Road property.

The Gander family received notice from the city that portions of the 6,500-square-foot pasture’s fencing and goat shed are not in compliance with required setbacks from adjacent properties and homes.

City Code Enforcement Officer Meghan McKnight issued the letter on Oct. 2, requesting that the family submit a plan to relocate or remove the shed and fence. But the Gander family contends they were assured numerous times by a city planner that the pasture and shed comply with city rules.

“We got a half-dozen assurances it was OK,” said Maddie’s mother, Melanie Keenan. “(McKnight) was quick to charge into this without discussing this or trying to figure things out. It’s a black-or-white issue for her.”

The planner cited by the Gander family as their contact on livestock and agricultural issues no longer works for the city.

Other city officials did not return calls on the matter this week.

McKnight said she was unaware of the family’s discussions with the former planner.

The city’s investigation of the pasture was spurred by neighbor complaints, McKnight said.

One neighbor, who asked not to be identified when contacted Thursday, said the goats’ waste was not properly disposed of, among other nuisances.

“There are four complaints and all reference confined goats close to residences,” McKnight said.

The Ganders contend that the pasture’s fencing meets the requirements of their property’s zoning guidelines.

They also say the goat shed does not meet the municipal definition of “structure” thanks to a set of floor-mounted skids. Because the eight-foot wide shed is portable, it is not bound by setback requirements, they say.

Keenan said her family has spent nearly $6,000 to install the pasture fencing and build the shed. Much of the money for the goat-raising venture was drawn from Maddie’s allowance.

Maddie was raising the goats as part of a 4-H club farming project.

“I love animals,” said Maddie, who hopes to become a veterinarian when she grows up. “One of the reasons we moved here was for me to be able to have animals.”

Keenan said her family may move off-island if they cannot raise goats on the property.