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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 8, 2021 3 Commissioner Jefferys questioned how the City would enforce the Ordinance and asked if the Ramsey County Sheriff was aware of the chicken keeping requirements. She also inquired what would happen if a neighbor were to move and new neighbors were to move into a home that did not support the keeping of chickens. Senior Planner Jagoe stated an animal control officer with the Sheriff’s Department would be working with the City to enforce the Ordinance. In addition, code enforcement staff may have a role and assist with enforcement complaints. She reported if a neighbor were to move, no additional approval would be required. Commissioner Subramanian asked if breeding of chickens would be allowed. Senior Planner Jagoe explained breeding of chickens would not be allowed, but rather chickens would be allowed as pets or for the laying of eggs. Commissioner Subramanian stated it would be important for the City to be able to identify avian flu symptoms and what rules would be in place to manage this situation. Senior Planner Jagoe commented if there was a nuisance complaint regarding a health or odor concern the City would respond. She reported as drafted the ordinance language did not require proof of medical records. Further discussion ensued regarding how the City would inspect coops upon receiving a complaint. Commissioner Weber questioned if the chickens would be expected to remain within the coop or enclosed pen area. Senior Planner Jagoe stated this was the case. She explained chickens would be allowed in an exercise area only when supervised. Commissioner Weber inquired why the City was only allowing three chickens given the fact these were social animals. Senior Planner Jagoe commented this was a discussion held by the City Council and noted the Commission could recommend this number be increased. Commissioner Weber stated he supported this number being increased to five. He questioned how the chickens were to be disposed of. Senior Planner Jagoe indicated the property owners would have to ensure the chickens were disposed of properly and would not be allowed to slaughter the chickens on their property. Commissioner Weber explained he did not support this recommendation. He anticipated that once a chicken was euthanized at a vets office, it would no longer be edible. Commissioner Zimmerman reported his granddaughter had chickens in Mendota Heights and noted it was important that the coop be properly built in order to keep out foxes, coyotes and other predators.