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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 17, 2020 5 Council was in agreement with three years if Republic Services agrees. C. Chickens and City Ordinance Discussion Associate Planner Hartmann asked that the Council if they would like to consider potential ordinance changes regarding the keeping of chickens in residential properties. The keeping of farm animals is regulated in Section 1325.07, Subd. 6, A. The code section states: Any building in which farm animals are kept shall be located a distance of two hundred(200)feet or more from any lot line. Any open structure in which farm animals are kept shall be a distance of four hundred(400)feet or more from any lot line. Although the minimum lot length in the R-1 Single Family Residential District is 130 feet and the length in the R-2 Single and Two Family Residential District is 120 feet, few residential properties can meet the setback requirements for chicken coops in the City. Associate Planner Hartmann noted that a review of some neighboring cities' ordinances was provided, and additional municipalities in the Twin Cities area. Staff is looking for Council direction in regard to expanding the keeping of chickens. Should the staff review options to amend the language in the Zoning Code in Section 1325.07, Subd. 6 to relax restrictions on raising chickens and chicken coops in residential districts, based on examples of similar communities ordinance restrictions? Councilmember McClung asked if this is being reviewed every couple of years or if residents are asking for it? Associate Planner Hartmann said he had received a couple of inquiries from residents asking about allowing chicken coops. The short answer is yes, the longer answer is that not everyone that wants to have chickens is able to. Staff felt it was time to discuss the ordinance. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla mentioned this was also discussed at a previous work session. Councilmember McClung asked if the City had received a petition. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla said he was aware of one, but the City had not received it. Councilmember Holden said in talking to councilmembers in other cities that have chickens, they say responsible owners do a good job, but others don't. She's not against having chickens but felt the rules need to be very serious — they have to be responsible owners. If they move to have chickens the rules need to be tight. Councilmember McClung said he could be persuaded with restrictions along the lines of Bloomington and Shoreview, fairly restrictive but allowing a small number of chickens.