08-10-2023 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 10, 2023 9 Chair Johnson commented that if the question is do you agree with a 20-foot setback for a coup, that is not setup to be neutral and would be concerned with the guiding that would be done through that format. She commented that it would make the person think that is the proposed regulation. She believed that there were other ways to ask those questions to gain better answers and responses. She noted that people often do not choose to enter additional information and if they are unsure as to how to answer the question, they will sometimes stop taking the survey. The Community Development Director commented that they can modify the survey to perhaps include ranges for certain items, such as the number of chickens and setback. Commissioner Boe commented that they could use multiple choice to identify different ranges and also have an “other” option that would allow the person to enter in an additional answer. Chair Johnson moved to the topic of neighbor consent. She agreed with the comments that could create ire between neighbors. She noted that approval is not required for someone to get a dog and they arguably create a larger nuisance in terms of waste and noise. Commissioner Kulousek stated that the City used to allow the keeping of chickens and asked if the reason was known as to why that was stopped. Chair Johnson commented that perhaps that was due to concern for predators. She had questions about whether or not the coops need to be heated or are self-heating, as she would not want to see a fire generated. Ms. Simon commented that adult chickens will self-regulate in the coop. She stated that the only time heat is needed is with baby chicks. She commented that baby chicks would not be outside in the winter months and once they feather out, they would go out to the coop. She confirmed that electricity would not be required for a coop. Chair Johnson stated if there were an empty lot owned by a trust, it would be difficult to get approval from that entity. She did not believe neighbor consent would be productive. The Community Development Director noted that neighbors change over time, therefore that approval would not seem to make sense. She noted that neighbor consent was previously required for a variance and that has changed over time, therefore the concept of neighbor consent may be outdated. Chair Johnson asked for details on screening that would be required for the instance of the resident with the unique shaped lot. She referenced the concept of butchering a chicken and asked if a deer could be butchered in a garage. She stated that perhaps that is permitted within an enclosed area.