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