Agenda Packets - 2023/03/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No: 08B Meeting Date: March 13, 2023 Type of Business CB City Administrator Review: of Mounds View Staff R To: Honorable Mayor, and City Council From: Nyle Zikmund, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Chickens Introduction: City ordinance allows up to 8 chickens per residence. Recently, council was asked to increase to 12. Ordinance 1001 had first reading at the February 27, 2023 Council meeting. At their February 27, 2023 council meeting a concern was raised regarding coop and yard space "capacity" and council asked staff to research. Discussion: In consulting with resident experts staff was advised that the internet was resplendent with information related to this issue. And, in fact, a google search resulted in just over 16 million "hits" on the precise inquiry of "chickens per square feet" in of itself! Some might cry fowl, but Chickens in fact are the worlds most populous bird estimates indicate more than 23 billion worldwide, 3 times more than humans! This volume is likely a factor in the wit associated with chicken websites; chickens for dummies, freedom rang erhatchery, backyardchickens, thehappychickencoop, easyhens, chickensandmore, knowyourchickens, chickenfans — and eventually, with persistence; researches can get to government sites (.gov or .edu for example). Per the USDA along with Colorado and Missouri State College extension office: The USDA information is specific to a proposed rule change for organic production farmers, very detailed but relevant; in adding to the volume of evidence that chickens do in fact — need their space! Staff has included the USDA for reference and Colorado information given greater comparability with climate. Of note, however, depending upon the exact Galliformes you raise; standard -size chickens, roamers, brooders, layers, meaties, (some sources indicated 1,600 types) — that relates to coop and run area. Presumably, our residents are focused on layers (those producing eggs) and the www sites indicate anywhere from a minimum of 2 square feet of coop space to 4 square feet of coop space. Colorado.edu suggests 2.5 to 3.5 for coop. There appears to be a common theme that more space is probably better. One could surmise, based on the research; like many things in life — that down on the farm; everything is debatable! Run size varies similarly with EDU suggesting 10 square feet. i Fie iviuunds View Vision A Thriving Desirable Community