02-22-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 • Coops and runs would be required to be removed from properties upon permit expiration and/or permit revocation (at the property owner’s expense) Public Hearing Comments. Comments at the public hearing were limited to two residents (Dawn Weitzel and Shari Luebbert) who expressed their support for the backyard chicken amendment. In this regard, no public testimony in opposition to the amendment was received. To be noted is that a letter of support for the amendment was received from an Elko New Market resident and business owner (Anna Simon). Such resident/business owner was not however, present at the meeting. Letters of support for the amendment, as provided by Ms. Weitzel, Ms. Luebbert and Ms. Simon are attached to this memorandum. Planning Commission Recommendation. Based on the background information, the recommendation of City Staff and the evidence received at the meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the attached Zoning Ordinance amendment. Again, the amendment includes the following changes as recommended by the Planning Commission: 1. An allowance for backyard chickens in R-2, Urban (Small Lot) Residential Districts. 2. The elimination of the 12,000 square foot minimum lot size requirement. While the vote on the amendment was unanimous, it should be noted that two Planning Commissioners reiterated their belief that a determination of use acceptability is the responsibility of the City Council (and not the Planning Commission). Additional Correspondence. Following the Planning Commission meeting, a letter in opposition to the amendment was received from Tyler and Kris Osiecki. A copy of the received letter is attached to this memorandum as Exhibit D. Effective Date. Rather than becoming effective immediately upon its passage and publication, the attached amendment references an effective date of June 1, 2016. Such date is intended to provide time for Staff to prepare various application-related materials (including the educational pamphlet and application form) prior to the receipt of formal applications from City residents. BUDGET IMPACT Approval of an amendment may or may not impact City Code enforcement expenditures. This is considered a City Council policy consideration. Such expenditures could however, potentially be addressed though permit/license fees.