03-28-2017 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 March 28,2017 asked what happens if an issue arises between inspections. Mr. Simon stated that any further action would be complaint-driven or as noticed by staff. Councilmember Wagner asked who would do the inspections. Mr. Carlton stated that planning staff would make the first inspection and subsequent inspections would be handled by code enforcement staff. Councilmember Wagner asked if any of the other cities that were surveyed experienced an impact on property values by allowing chickens. Mr. Carlton stated no, that was not mentioned. Councilmember Wagner stated that there are a number of developments that have homeowners associations and asked if they could be more restrictive than the city's ordinance. Mr. Carlton stated yes, they could be more restrictive, but not less restrictive. Councihmember Wagner asked if other cities passed on any information they have learned since adopting their ordinances. Ms. Simon stated that a couple cities stated they had an issue of animals running at large and had to involve animal control.Also, some of the cities noted that initially there was high interest in raising chickens,but that the interest dropped off quite a bit after a year or two. Councilmember Wagner asked what happens when people lose interest. Ms. Simon stated that they would prepare a one-page handout stating what people should expect. Mr. Carlton noted that he is aware of a rescue site called Chicken Run in Minneapolis, so apparently this can become an issue when people become tired of raising chickens. Commissioner Thiel asked what would happen to the coops and runs when people lose interest. He expressed concern that keeping chickens could attract wildlife/predators. He felt odor would need to be addressed, depending upon the lot size. Commissioner Rydberg stated that he felt that the proximity to pedestrian and public use areas should be considered in the permitting process. Chair Johnson stated that attracting predators could be a concern for the neighbors. He asked if the permit fee was in line with other cities. Ms. Simon stated that the fees in the cities surveyed ranged from$30 to $50. Chair Johnson suggested the chicken area be screened with opaque fencing. Commissioner Larson-Vito stated she opposed creating a financial burden to raise a few chickens. Commissioner Nicholas stated that he did not feel the yard should require opaque fencing. Commissioner Rydberg asked if other cities noticed an effect on property values. Ms. Simon stated she did not ask that specific question but she could ask the communities which were surveyed. Commissioner Feinstein asked if staff had concerns with compliance issues. Ms. Simon stated that there are other sections of the city's ordinance that address enforcement. Commissioner Rydberg asked what is the maximum number of chickens that would be allowed on the smaller lots. Ms. Simon stated that the smallest lots could have 4 chickens.