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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 19, 2013 8 Councilmember Holden advised the applicant to not offer closing any driveways until he is granted permission to put in a signalized light at the intersection. E. Urban Fowl Discussion City Planner Beekman stated that Councilmember Werner requested this topic be brought to the Council for discussion. She noted that fowl are considered farm animals, and although they are not prohibited, they must be kept 200 feet away from property lines. This requirement ends up making the keeping of fowl prohibitive for most properties in Arden Hills. City Planner Beekman shared a Star Tribune article that discussed the topic of keeping chickens and it listed surrounding cities that allow and do not allow fowl. She stated that staff is seeking direction from the Council regarding how to proceed with an amendment to City Code. She noted that before taking the time to propose such an amendment, staff wants to gauge the Council's interest in changing the Code at this time. Councilmember Werner stated that a number of communities allow fowl and others do not. He feels the biggest concern is what the neighbors will think. He is in support of allowing fowl if it is tightly regulated. He feels no roosters should be allowed,there should be a limit on the number of hens, there should be regulations regarding where they are kept, and he supports the regulation of a setback from the lot line for housing requirements. He said he was surprised by the number of neighboring communities who do allow fowl. Councilmember McClung stated that he has done some research on this topic. He noted that his concern is regarding setting precedence by allowing chickens. He worries about issues with wild turkeys and the anticipated smaller lots on the TCAAP property. He feels there is potential for problems in the future and unfavorable responses from neighbors. Councilmember Holden stated that when she first moved to Arden Hills, some farm animals were allowed, but over the years, the City began eliminating the keeping of farm animals. She is concerned about the smell, and the unsightliness of fencing materials. She feels that the communities who are allowing fowl have not had the allowance long enough to provide adequate feedback. She stated she is not in favor of allowing fowl. Councilmember Holmes noted that whatever the decision is, it is not going to please everyone. She stated that she is not in favor of allowing chickens. Mayor Grant explained that he is concerned about creating neighbor issues. He feels that asking a neighbor to allow another neighbor to keep chickens pits people against each other. He stated that a situation may be created in which a neighbor agrees to allow another neighbor to keep chickens and then that neighbor moves and the new neighbor has a potential issue with the keeping of chickens. The consensus of the Council is to not have staff move forward with this item. F. Discuss Response to Trial Agenda Center Packet