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Planning Commission
Date: 4/14/2014
Item: 5B
Business Item
ITEM: Animal Assisted Therapy Ordinance
SUBMITTED BY: Adam Bell, City Clerk/Asst. City Administrator
REVIEWED BY: Kyle Klatt, Community Development Director
______________________________________
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED: The City of Lake Elmo has is seeking input and
feedback from the Planning Commission in regards to creating a new conditional use type known
as Animal Assisted Therapy.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: City Staff is continually working with various residents to
aide them in suitably utilizing their property to meet their goals while complying with City
zoning regulations. A recent resident request for a use of property currently does not fit neatly
within any defined use yet is not specifically prohibited. In the spirit of promoting the reasonable
use of property, staff is proposing an ordinance amendment to add a conditional use type to
clarify this type of activity as an allowed use subject to a permit. The proposed ordinance
includes the following:
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is defined as a use of land and associated structures for
the delivery of therapy to improve human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive
functioning, in which animals that meet specific criteria are an integral part of the
treatment process. AAT is goal-directed and is delivered by a health/human service
professional with specialized expertise. AAT may be provided in a group or individual
setting.
A requirement for adequate insurance.
Appropriate licensing or qualifications by therapist providing the AAT.
Requires a description of the AAT program/services to be delivered including what
animals will be used.
The city’s animal density standards will apply.
No other commercial business or activity will be allowed under the CUP.
Staff has looked at other communities in the area that have AAT as an allowed use as a starting
point for the ordinance language. Staff plans to bring this topic back to the Planning Commission
to hold a Public Hearing and seek a formal recommendation to add the proposed ordinance
language to the appropriate sections of the Zoning Code.
RECCOMENDATION: No formal action is requested at this time.
ATTACHMENTS: First Draft of AAT Ordinance
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
- Introduction ............................................................................... Planning Staff
- Report by Staff .......................................................................... Planning Staff
- Questions from the Commission ...................... Chair & Commission Members
- Discussion by the Commission ........................ Chair & Commission Members
BUSINESS ITEM 5B