HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ Minutes; 1-11-16 regarding pigeon ordinance 7
M/S/P: Williams/Kreimer, move to recommend rezoning of the Inwood booster station
property from RR to the PF zoning district, Vote:5-0, motion carried Unanimously.
Ordinance Amendment—a request for an ordinance amendment to the animal
ordinance that pertains to the keeping of pigeons.
Wensman started his presentation stating that he had an inquiry regarding the keeping
of pigeons. Currently pigeons are not regulated. Wensman researched what other Citys
do. He used the Gem Lake ordinance as a guide and also used our accessory building
ordinance as a guide to know how many pigeons would fit in what size building. The
minimum lot size would be 2.5 acres and it would only apply to AG and RR zoning.
Maximum number allowed would be 20 and they would need to be banded. Aviaries
would need to be enclosed. The loft area would have an area of 4 cubic feet per bird
and the maximum loft height would be 12 feet with a maximum of 200 square feet.
They would need to be located in the rear property 50 feet away from any habitable
structures.
Dodson thinks the construction of the loft is very specific and is wondering why.
Wensman stated it was taken out of other code and is probably to keep the birds safe
from predators. Dodson was also wondering why it is limited to RR and AG. Wensman
stated it is because he is trying to restrict it to where there is the least potential for
complaints.
Williams asked how the number 20 was arrived at. Wensman stated that he looked at
the size of the accessory building and worked backwards. Williams is not sure that 20 is
enough.
Public Hearing opened at 10:04 pm.
No one spoke and there was no written or electronic correspondence.
Public Hearing Closed at 10:05 pm.
Dodson would like to see the number increased to 60. Larson would like to see 100 as a
maximum.
Kreimer thinks that is a lot of birds on a 2.5 acre lot. No one spoke at the public hearing
and he thinks that we should be restrictive until someone comes in and asks for more.
Griffin stated that it can be a big nuisance if they are not taken care of and saw it first
hand this summer. Dunn agrees that we should add to the code, but should be more
restrictive for now. Kreimer would like to see on page 3 letter K read "Pigeon lofts may
be located in the rear yard only and shall be at least 50 feet from property lines and
adjacent habitable structures." Williams would like to include in 95.117 an item C that
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 1-11-16
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would state "Any property where pigeons would be kept will have a principle use
conforming to the zoning ordinance."
Williams would like to add under 95.117 letter D "The property will be the primary
residence of the pigeon keeper."
M/S/P: Williams/Kreimer move to recommend approval of the ordinance pertaining to
the keeping of pigeons with the 3 suggested changes, Vote:5-0, motion carried,
unanimously.
Ordinance Amendment—a request for an ordinance amendment to the weapons
ordinance as it pertains to hunting.
Wensman started his presentation and stated that this is being brought forward based
on the number of calls the City received this fall. Wensman stated that the City might
want to consider producing a map each year to designate where hunting is allowed.
Public Park, public trail, ROW and public school was specifically added. Wensman ran
these changes through Washington County sheriff and they were in support and liked
the idea of a map.
Griffin would like to see some distinction between shotguns and rifles. She would like to
see rifles prohibited in the City. The Commission was wondering how this applies to
conceal and carry and how 130.15 (B) (2) would apply. Wensman stated that he can
bring it back to the City Attorney. Dodson asked how much of this had to do with land
use and if it really needed to come to the Planning Commission.
Public Hearing opened at 10:30 pm.
No one spoke and there was no written or electronic correspondence.
Public Hearing Closed at 10:30 pm.
Kreimer was wondering where paint ball, air guns, etc. would fall in this scope.
Wensman stated that he looked at it only from the standpoint of hunting.
M/S/P: Williams/Kreimer move to postpone consideration of the weapons and hunting
ordinance until clarification on 4 issues is received, Vote:5-0, motion carried,
unanimously.
Council Updates— December 15, 2015 Meeting
1. CUP Amendment-Oakdale Gun Club—Approved.
2. Preliminary Plat Approval-Reider—approved.
3. ZTA-Uses in Rural Districts— Repeal uses that were added in 2013.
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 1-11-16