Are horses and stables allowed in Rochester Hills residential districts?

A stable in Rochester Hills requires conditional use approval from City Council. Stables and riding academies are marked C, conditional, in the residential districts RE through R-4, with use standards in § 138-4.434 (§ 138-4.300, Table 4).

This differs from general animal keeping. Raising and keeping of animals is permitted by right in the R districts, subject to the § 138-4.430 standards (§ 138-4.300, Table 4). A stable or riding academy triggers the conditional use path.

The process: the Planning Commission holds a public hearing and recommends, then City Council decides with written findings against the § 138-2.302 standards (§ 138-2.301). Approval lapses after 365 days unless the use is established, with one 180 day extension available. The Zoning Board of Appeals cannot hear an appeal of the Council's decision (§ 138-2.301.F).