08-10-2023 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 10, 2023 8 Chair Johnson asked if there would be a permit required for fencing. She asked the typical procedure for chicken fencing. Nicholas Love, 555 Little Canada Road, commented that he likes the conversation about the run as the coop and run are separate structures, although sometimes connected. He stated that people typically bury the fence line to prevent predators from getting underneath. He stated that coops and runs range in size and scale and provided some examples. The Community Development Director stated that accessory structures are allowed up to 15 feet in height, but a gazebo is not regulated. She stated that the maximum fence height is 6.5 feet, whereas a fence under four feet would not require a permit. Chair Johnson asked if four feet would be sufficient for chicken fencing. Mr. Love replied that it would be difficult to maintain. Mayor Fischer suggested that staff be allowed to do the related research. Commissioner Masrud asked if garden fencing requires a permit. The Community Development Director replied that does not require a permit as there are not footings. Mr. Love commented that if there is a desire to protect the chickens from all predators, you could still have the ground post and bury the fencing down further. He commented that often, people have the feed and water in the run and therefore if the run were covered and at the height of a four foot fence, that would be difficult for taller people. Chair Johnson referenced the issue of setbacks, noting that a 20-foot setback was mentioned. She asked if that would be addressed in the survey. Mr. Riemer confirmed that would be included in the survey. He stated that 20 feet was the average setback of the regulations that were reviewed. He noted that distance is a movable target that they will develop. Chair Johnson stated that the language used in surveys can be very guiding. She stated that perhaps the question is asked in a multiple-choice answer format, rather than asking about whether four chickens should be allowed, or a 20-foot setback used. She noted that if specific targets are included, people are led to believe that is what will be suggested. Mr. Riemer commented that it is set up to be a three-part answer: agree, disagree, or neutral with a comment section below for additional input to be provided.