7.6. SR 05-15-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk az — River Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 7.6 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearinj Ma 15, 2017 BrieAnna Simon, Planner Item Description Reviewed by Ordinance Amendment: Keeping of Chickens Zack Carlton, Planning Manager Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Adopt, by motion, an ordinance amendment to expand opportunities for the keeping of chickens in residential areas. Why is this amendment being proposed? Case No. OA 17-03 We are frequently asked if chickens are permitted within the urban service district, specifically on lots of less than five acres. Ordinance requires five acres of land and a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) within the Urban Service District. Outside of the Urban Service District, chickens are permitted on properties less than five acres in size with a CUP. On property greater than five acres outside of the urban service district, chickens are permitted and can be doubled with a CUP. On all properties within the City of Elk River, if the property lot size and required permitting is obtained, the property is permitted to have 0.01 animal units per one acres of fenced pasture land or 100 chickens per one acre of fenced pasture land. Council discussed an amendment in work session and staff was directed to look into a possible amendment. Two surveys requesting resident feedback were also posted to the city's social media pages. The results of those surveys are described below. What is the public benefit? The first survey indicated residents would like the keeping of chickens allowed on smaller lots, specifically below 2.5 acres and within the urban service district. The survey included questions on the number of chickens permitted, specific regulations, and permitting requirements. The survey was open to everyone, not just Elk River residents. After eliminating duplicates, the survey presented 256 responses with 70% in favor of permitting chickens on smaller lot sizes and 71% were in favor of permitting chickens on lots below the current minimum of 5 acres. After the Planning Commission meeting on March 28, 2017, a second survey was posted to receive feedback on regulations specific to discussions from the first public hearing. The survey was also open everyone. The survey presented 135 non -duplicate responses and resulted in approximately 50/50 responses for permitting chickens on lot sizes less than 5 acres. The comments provided presented more concerns and feedback in favor of prohibiting chickens on smaller lot sizes. These surveys are not statistically valid but staff has referenced the results to help influence the proposed ordinance. Staff has P a w E R E U 6 Y NaA f RE]