10-25-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

For this particular question, twelve respondents provided additional feedback varying in topic. See Attachment B. Based on the Planning Commission meeting held on August 10, several other questions were posed, including the type of residential chickens permitted (almost 57% supported allowing both laying and meat hens) and the requirement of a license or application as a condition to have residential chickens (over 62% support a license or application). Other comments were additionally shared. See Attachment B. Two questions asked for feedback regarding the prohibition of breeding and the prohibition of culling. Staff did receive comments from respondents that these two particular questions (questions four and six) were confusing. Staff wanted to be sure to share this feedback for purposes of transparency and understanding the results. Question four asked for feedback regarding the city prohibiting breeding. Based on the results, over 41% of respondents strongly support and support the prohibition of breeding. Additionally, over 38% of respondents support the city prohibiting culling (separating or killing an unwanted chicken). Both of these questions had over 10% percentage of respondents providing “don’t know” as a response. Additionally, for both of these questions, several comments were provided. See Attachment B. Two questions posed were about residential property. Primary survey data outlined a majority of respondents were in support of residential chickens being allowed in either a side or rear yard depending on lot. Therefore, the secondary survey requested feedback on the setback for coop and run structures from property lines. Almost 37% felt a minimum setback of five feet (similar to an accessory structure) was appropriate. Other feedback was provided, with most comments outlining that no (a 0 feet) setback regulation from a property line should be required. The final directed question requested feedback on the requirement for additional privacy fencing being required as a condition for keeping residential chickens. 55% of respondents opposed and strongly opposed the requirement of additional privacy fencing. Additional comments for both questions can be found in Attachment B. Respondents shared additional feedback and comments through an open-ended text response. See Attachment B. FINDINGS The current City Code in question of updating is 1103.020 where it states “…unlawful for any person to keep, raise, breed, or feed poultry and/or pigeons within the City”. After conducting research against six surrounding municipalities (New Brighton, Mounds View, Shoreview, Arden Hills, Roseville, and Maplewood), all allowing the raising and keeping of chickens and or fowl. There is only one municipality that does not require a license or permit, however, the rest do. Please see the attached draft ordinance for the detailed language. City staff has made several adjustments to the draft ordinance based on feedback from the August and September Planning Commission meetings, public comment, city requirements, and the survey process.