LYMAN — Residents will vote at the polls on June 10 on whether to allow farming in the residential zone.

The proposed ordinance change would allow the keeping of animals, other than household pets, for personal, noncommercial use on lots three acres or larger in residential districts, two acres or larger in all other districts, and other lot sizes subject to approval from the code enforcement officer.

Under the proposed ordinance, livestock owners would have to adhere to a number of provisions. Fencing for livestock in residential areas must be located a minimum of 100 feet from any neighboring residential unit, and domesticated farm animal must be securely fenced or contained. Excessive odors from domesticated farm animals, manure or other related substances must not be perceptible at property boundaries.

There was much debate over the proposed ordinance, with good arguments on both sides of the issue, said planning board member John Quint. Quint said there were heated discussions around issues of smell and noise.

Planning board members said a representative from the Maine Farmland Trust, who had expertise working with other municipalities on similar ordinance, worked with the town to help them craft the ordinance.

“The way the economy is, more and more people want to raise their own meat,” said board Chairman Rod Tetu.

Residents will also vote on changes to the mineral and earth extraction ordinance. Quint said the town had a lot of input from sand pit owners on the proposed changes.

Residents will also vote on changes to the overall zoning ordinance, which Tutu said will make the ordinance more “user friendly.”

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.