02-25-1992 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes 2/25/92 Page 7 Janelle Szklarski, Zoning Assistant, introduced this item by explaining that staff has proposed two ordinance amendments which would regulate the keeping of animals within the City of Elk River. Ms. Szklarski briefly reviewed the draft ordinance which differentiates between four types of animals: domestic, agricultural, dangerous, and nontraditional or exotic animals. Chairman Nadeau opened the public hearing. The following issues were raised and discussed at the meeting. Concern was expressed regarding animals which are dangerous animals as to whether they should dangerous animal. cross-bred with be considered a Concern was expressed regarding animals that have attacked or bitten a person when unprovoked as to whether it should be added to the list of dangerous animals. There was discussion regarding the 2-1/2 acre minimum parcel size for permitted uses. Ms. Szklarski, stated that she had reviewed the conditional use permits for the last ten years. The average size of parcel which has requested a conditional use permit has been around 5 acres. Commissioner Minton felt that the City needed to keep smaller parcels as conditional uses so that the type of animal could be controlled. Concern was discussed regarding the sheltering of agricultural animals. Commissioner Tveite suggested that the shelter be appropriately sized to accommodate the specific animal in a humane manner. The question was raised if monkeys should be considered an exotic or a dangerous animal. Commissioner spotts was opposed to monkeys being considered an exotic animal as he felt mature monkeys were vicious creatures and should not be kept as pets. Ms. Szklarski, stated that monkeys are also used by the handicapped and therefore should not be classified as a dangerous animal. As an exotic animal they would be treated as a conditional use. Chairman Nadeau closed the public hearing. COMMISSIONER SPOTTS MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 908 TITLED, "REGULATION OF ANIMALS", AND SECTION 900.12 TITLED, "PERMITTED, ACCESSORY, AND CONDITIONAL USES BY DISTRICT" WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO SECTION 908: 1. SECTION 908.04(2)(c) DANGEROUS ANIMALS SHALL ALSO INCLUDE ANY ANIMAL THAT HAS ATTACKED OR BITTEN A PERSON WHEN SAID ATTACK OR BITE WAS UNPROVOKED 2. SECTION 908.04(2)(c) DOMESTIC ANIMALS WHICH ARE CROSS BRED WITH DANGEROUS ANIMALS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF DANGEROUS ANIMALS.