7.6. SR 05-15-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The intent of the following regulations is to protect neighbors by not permitting coops and runs to encompass the entire rear yard area. The chicken coop size will be no larger than 10 sf per chicken with a maximum height allowed for accessory structures in the zoning district of the property. Coops must be elevated a minimum of 12 inches and maximum of 24 inches above grade to provide adequate circulation. The floor of the coop must be constructed of rodent -resistant material. The run size will be no larger than 20 sf per chicken. The run is to be constructed of weather resistant wood and wire material (i.e., hardware cloth) to completely enclose the facility. Setbacks Staff recommends limiting the location of coops and runs to the rear yard of a property and requiring a 10 -foot setback from side and rear property lines. On corner lots, front yard setbacks will be required from all property lines fronting a street. Coops and runs may not be located in drainage and utility easements and need to meet all accessory structures requirements outlined in the zoning code. The coop will count towards the permitted garage size and towards the total number of accessory structures. This limit will typically be two structures with a total of 1,200 sf in the urban service district and up to 16,000 outside of the urban service district. Additionally, a 25 -foot setback from adjacent inhabited structures is proposed. This includes neighboring homes. Staff also recommends coops and runs maintain a 45 -foot setback from wetlands and stormwater ponds on all lots. This setback area is important to ensure the safety of the animals and water quality. Fencing Staff is not looking to require a secondary fence (opaque or transparent), screening or landscaped buffers for chickens on lots 2.5 acres or greater. Staff does recommend that all fencing on properties with chickens maintain a 25 -foot setback from wetlands and stormwater ponds. This setback area is important to ensure the safety of the animals and water quality. Additional Requirements Staff recommends prohibiting roosters, guinea fowls, and animals running at large (free range). Roosters may be permitted on lots 2.5 to 5 acres with a CUP as permitted by code which controls noise levels and reduces the impacts to residents on other properties. A CUP will provide a public hearing and a chance to inform neighbors of the proposed animals on the property. All grains, feed, and manure are to be stored in rodent -proof containers and disposed of properly and promptly. Animals will be prohibited in the garage, house or accessory dwelling units of a property. The slaughtering of animals will also be prohibited. Additionally, manure may not be stored within 45 feet of all wetlands and stormwater ponds. This setback area is important to ensure water quality. Maintaining the 45 -foot buffer area will help protect the water bodies from fecal contamination due to run off. Permitting Staff recommends no permit for the first 12 chickens on parcels 2.5 acres or greater. A CUP may be obtained to increase the number of chickens to meet the existing agricultural animal units or to permit roosters or guinea fowl. Similar to sheds less than 200 sf, it will be the property owner's responsibility to meet all of the ordinance requirements. Enforcement measures will be on a complaint basis. N:\Public Bodies\Agenda Packets\05-15-2017\Final\7.6 OA 17-03 sr CC 05-15-17.docx