Posted: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 09:25 AM - 22,155 Readers

By: Star Telegram

The Austin City Council has banned slaughtering and composting of animal parts on urban farms.

Council members on Thursday night also expanded restrictions on the farms when it comes to hosting special events.

The Austin American-Statesman (http://bit.ly/1e7Q90X) reports the decisions came amid discussions over the role of the farms and whether they belong in single-family neighborhoods.

Critics of Austin's four largest urban farms — Boggy Creek, Springdale, HausBar and Rain Lilly — cited noise, smells and traffic, along with zoning issues.

Supporters say such farms are a place to gather and a thriving food source.

The council also decided to limit to six per year the number of special events that can be held at each urban farm.

The ordinance takes effect in four months.