08-10-2023 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 10, 2023 10 Commissioner Kulousek stated that perhaps it is only allowed if being used for personal purposes and not commercial purposes. Chair Johnson stated that would bring up the concept of commercial sales. Commissioner Boe commented that with the scale of what is being proposed to be allowed, she would not imagine a large profit margin. She stated that if someone were generating more eggs than they could eat, she would not have a problem with them selling eggs at the farmers market. Ms. Simon commented that there is a difference between laying chickens and meat chickens and that could be specified in the ordinance. Ms. Martin commented that people that want chickens are not going into this to start a business. She commented on the amount of time required and with the restrictions it would seem to be an unlikely problem. She asked if the class would be required or whether that resource would simply be shared. She asked about the potential to allow coops in the side yard. She commented that using the term best practices would not seem to apply as it seems that staff chose the most stringent practices used by others. Chair Johnson commented that perhaps there should be a survey question asking whether a care class should be required. Ms. Martin commented that there are so many resources available at the library and online and it is not that difficult to learn that information. She noted that there are also varying opinions as to what would be best. She stated that she is not against education but does not feel it should be required. Commissioner Boe did not believe that question should be on the survey. She noted that she was not required to take a class to have her dog. She did like the idea of offering a program but not requiring it. She stated that she believes they are trying to get away from having a coop in the front yard and perhaps that should be the focus rather than specifying the backyard. Chair Johnson asked who would respond to complaints about animal neglect. The Community Development Director replied that would be addressed through code enforcement. Chair Johnson stated that she likes the idea of permitting as that keeps this issue on the radar, allows the City to track the activity and provides the opportunity to distribute educational materials. Commissioner Masrud stated that he would ask that be consistent with other animals that people keep such as dogs, cats, birds, etc.