07-12-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 1. Variance from Animal Unit Restriction. Applicant is seeking a variance from the Stable Ordinance’s animal unit restrictions and the cap of 25 animal units. Applicant is requesting fifty (50) animal units to be kept on the Property. The property owner’s Findings of Fact are stated in their Mary 11, 2021 land use application (Attachment #5). Staff Comments Staff has 3 main areas of concern. • Wetlands and Floodplain There are approximately 12 acres of wetlands and 22 acres of floodplain on the 25 acre Subject Site. This limits the amount of upland area to operate a commercial stable, pasture farm animals and properly manage manure waste. Including but not limited to, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) guidelines state that for manure application, a minimum setback of 300 feet from protected wetlands is required. A 50 foot non-manured vegetated buffer can be used in place of the 300 foot setback during non- winter months. MN State Rule 7020.2005 Subpart 1. states a “…manure storage area must not be constructed within a floodplain…”. Manure bins and/or manure storage shall be located outside the floodplain. • Animal Health Given the limited amount of upland area, staff has concerns regarding the amount of pasture the animals have. Per the University of Minnesota Extension-Horse website, 2 acres of pasture are required for each horse and manure should not be spread on pastures with more than 1 horse per 2 acres. • Facility Management and Waste Handling Plan Per the University of Minnesota Extension-Horse website, the average 1,000 pound horse produces 56 pounds of manure per day. This equates 1,400 pounds of manure per day for 25 horses and 2,800 pounds of manure per day for 50 horses. Due to the large volume of manure potentially produced by 25-50 horses and the limited storage capacity on site due to wetlands and floodplain, a detailed manure management plan is required. The property owner shall work with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in creating an approved facility management and waste handling plan. Findings of Fact Council Resolution No. 21-67 details the findings for the Conditional Use Permit and Resolution No. 21-68 details the findings for the Variance.