Laurel Council approves policies on traffic and animal ordinances

The Laurel Town Council turned its attention to old business during its most recent meeting, addressing two issues that have been the subject of discussion for months: how the town handles requests for traffic changes and how its code defines farm animals.

The first item was a policy that will guide decisions on traffic pattern changes, parking adjustments, and speed limit requests. For years, council members noted, there had been no consistent process. Residents would raise concerns, and the police chief and town manager would review them with the mayor. If the matter was serious enough, a committee would be assigned to study it.

Town Manager Jamie Smith explained that this new policy will create a clear, transparent path for how each request will be handled.

“We wanted something in place that is fair, consistent, and easy for the public to understand,” she said. Both Smith and the police chief already have a list of pending traffic requests and believe the policy will help move them forward more efficiently. After discussion, the motion to adopt the policy passed with no opposition.

The second major item was Ordinance 2025-1, an amendment to Chapter 49 of the town code. The ordinance introduces formal definitions for “small farm animals,” “large farm animals,” “small livestock,” and “large livestock.” Smith explained that the update was necessary because the current code does not clearly address certain animals, such as goats and ducks, which are already being kept within town limits.

Officials emphasized that the change will not affect residents who currently raise chickens, since those households will be grandfathered under the new rules. By categorizing animals into broader groups rather than listing each one individually, the ordinance is intended to make enforcement simpler and more effective.

“This makes it easier to be consistent,” Smith told the council. “Instead of writing out every possible animal, we now have categories that cover them.”

After its second reading, the ordinance was brought to a vote and passed unanimously.

With both items approved, council members said the town will now have stronger tools to address concerns that frequently come before them. Residents who submit requests about traffic or animals should expect a more straightforward process moving forward.