A Hamden couple is asking the Planning and Zoning Commission to enact regulations that would allow them to practice raptor falconry.
Currently there are no Hamden Planning and Zoning regulations regarding the keeping of raptors, which is a roadblock that Rogers Road residents Joseph Bender-Zanoni and his wife Margaret hope they can change. The couple has submitted an application to the commission that would amend the regulations to include those governing the keeping of raptors on private property.
The application is on the commission's agenda for its meeting next Tuesday, July 24 at 7 p.m. at Thornton Wilder Hall at Miller Library.
According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website, Falconry "is the sport of hunting small game species with trained raptors." And it's not an easy sport to get into, requiring permitting on a number of levels on the state and federal level.
"My wife...and I are in the process of becoming licensed Apprenticed Falconers," Bender-Zanoni wrote in his application to the commission. "We have successfully passed our apprentice examinations given by the [CT DEEP] and are associate members of the Connecticut Falconer's Association."
The next step in the process requires proof that the local zoning board allows the building of facilities for and owning of raptors, he says, which is the reason for the request.
"By approving this amendment, the Zoning Commission will not only further our individual goals, but also will become the first town in Connecticut with a comprehensive zoning regulation for falconry that ties in with the comprehensive state regulations," he wrote. "Further, the town will facilitate a 4,000 year old art practiced in over 60 countries and considered a living human heritage by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organizations."
Text of the proposed regulation:
626.4.2 Keeping of Falconry Raptors
The limited keeping of falconry raptors, referred to as raptors, for the pursuit of falconry, in a manner which preserves the quality of life of the surrounding neighborhood, is permitted subject to the following conditions:
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Compliance with Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Sections 26-67e.
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No more than three raptors can be kept.
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Raptors may be kept only in the following zoning districts: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4. R-5. T-3, T-3.5.
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Raptors may be kept only as a non-commercial accessory use. No propagation of raptors shall be permitted.
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Raptors shall be confined in a well-maintained structure in accordance with Section 26-67e-9(b-e) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies located in a rear or side yard only. The raptor housing shall be at least 20 feet from any property lines.
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The structure must be impermeable to rodents, other wild birds, and predators, including dogs and cats. When outdoors on the property, and not accompanied by a licensed falconer, raptors must be kept inside the structure from sunrise to sunset.
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Odors from raptors, raptor waste, or other raptor-related substances shall not be perceptible at the property boundaries.
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The keeping of raptors shall conform to standards set by the Quinnipiac Valley Health District, as amended.
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The keeping of raptors requires the issuance of a Zoning Permit.
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The Zoning Permit application must be accompanied by a plot plan showing the allowable footprint(s) and the permissible location(s) of the raptor housing. Once approved, the structure may be moved anywhere within the allowable area(s) without the need for a new zoning permit.
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Compliance with CGS Section 25-43 and Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies 19-13-B32.1.
