12-14-2023-Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 4 survey. She provided background information on the keeping of chickens and the discussions/process thus far. She stated that a new draft ordinance was created which intended to merge together the thoughts and input of the Commission, residents, and staff. The Community Relations Manager reviewed the results of the primary survey, which had 113 responses, as well as the secondary survey results which had 60 responses. Chair Johnson thanked staff for completing two rounds of surveys in order to gain input. She asked if the survey noted the regular construction survey for side yards, explaining that perhaps people were not aware of the typical side yard setback. The Community Relations Manager confirmed that the typical home setback was referenced in the question as a frame of reference. The Community Development Director stated that they did also include the setback for an accessory structure to provide that context. She provided an overview of the draft ordinance. Commissioner Buesing asked if there is a specified size limit for coops, as other structures have a maximum size. He suggested a maximum height and square footage. The Community Development Director reviewed the maximums for accessory structures. Commissioner Carlson-Clark asked if this would be a fixed structure or movable structure, as coops can be in either format. Chair Johnson noted that at the last meeting there was a discussion that classified a coop more as a gazebo. She stated that she does like the maximum height of 15 feet, similar to an accessory structure. She commented that because it was stated that four square feet per chicken is needed, if the maximum is ten chickens, perhaps the maximum size for the coop is then 40 square feet. Commissioner Boe-Schmidt recognized the length of discussion at the last meeting when it was determined that they would not classify a coop as an accessory structure and therefore did not believe they should place these maximums on the coop. Commissioner Buesing commented that there could be language which states four square feet per chicken as a maximum. Chair Johnson commented that she would prefer to have the not to exceed number and clarified that would not include the space for the run. She noted that in the survey the option to use chickens for meat was favored and asked if the Commission still wanted to exclude that. Commissioner Carlson-Clark commented that he read that as perhaps people would not want onsite butchering, but someone could take the chicken to an offsite location for that service.