12-14-2023-Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 6 The Community Development Director commented that she would assume that an exercise yard is fenced. Chair Johnson agreed that it could cause conflict between neighbors if chickens are allowed to roam in an unfenced yard. It was clarified that a chicken run would need to be enclosed and an exercise yard would also need to be fenced but would not need to be the entire yard. It was also confirmed that the language could be changed to include butchering and culling with an enclosed space. Kristin Simon commented that they do make mobile fence areas that people can get for chickens. Hellen Martin, 193 Birk Lane, commented that there were some people confused with the negative language used in the questions towards butchering/culling. She noted that most people will keep the height of the coop to a maximum height needed for them to walk into the coop. She agreed that culling should be allowed for chickens that are diseased or noted that sometimes people end up with a rooster. She commented that it would be impractical for people to use chickens for food when you can only keep ten and therefore most people will choose to keep them for eggs and as pets. Rocky Amarr commented that he has farming experience and commented on the process of butchering. He commented that is done outdoors and provided input on the process. He commented that there are many things not being considered in this ordinance. He suggested that the person place the coop next to their own home rather than the fence near their neighbors. He commented on the amount of dung created by a hen and the smell of ammonia generated. He noted that the ordinance lacks language related to required cleaning. He noted that chickens fly and if the area is not enclosed, the chickens will fly. He stated that with the way lots are configured, he could have 30 chickens near his swimming pool because of how the lots converge. He commented that chickens are not clean animals and asked if lime would be required for remediation. He asked why the City would be allowing mini farms in an urban area. He noted that if people want farm fresh eggs, they could purchase them from more rural areas. He stated that most lots in the city are 75 feet wide and chickens make noise. He noted the chickens spread disease and manure and he did not think this is a good, well thought out idea. Commissioner Boe-Schmidt commented that Little Canada is one of the only cities that does not allow this activity and none of the other cities are reporting issues of that nature. She stated that perhaps within enforcement there should be more language related to disposal of waste. Commissioner Thorson asked if hygiene is included in the regulations of other cities. The Community Development Director commented that they do reference the requirements from the Department of Health that would need to be followed but acknowledged that they could pull that language out to add clarity.