Agenda Date: 03/20/2018
Subject:
Title
An ordinance on second reading amending title 6, chapter 1 of the municipal code to provide for the safety and protection of wildlife
Body
Presented By:
Steve Kemp, City Attorney
POLICY QUESTION:
Does city council support an amendment to the municipal code to provide for the safety and protection of wildlife?
BACKGROUND:
The current municipal code only provides for the protection of birds and their nests and does not provide for the protection of and enforcement of damage to or harassment of the habitat, dens, nests of other wildlife. Although the Colorado State Parks and Wildlife Division does have concurrent jurisdiction to enforce wildlife codes in local jurisdictions, frequently the City is the first source of contact as it pertains to City owned property. The City and the state Parks and Wildlife Division are working together to share information and cooperate on enforcement issues. However, South Suburban Parks and Recreation relies on the municipal code of the City of Littleton, as the underlying property owner, when enforcing rules and protecting wildlife in city owned parks. Without amending the provision individuals engage in harassing behavior of wildlife without penalty
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
The Council considered a previous introduction of this ordinance and referred the matter to a study sessions. Based on Council comments after the first introduction, a study session was held and a revised ordinance prepared. The consensus of council was that the revised ordinance should be introduced on a first reading.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
This amendment to the code updates the definitions in Title 1, Chapter 6 to include a definition for "wildlife" in order to expand the protection provided to wildlife under the municipal code. Additionally, the amendment allows for increased protections for the dens/nests of wildlife and consequences for the harassment of such wildlife. This amendment will provide the City a...
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