06-09-25 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 9, 2025 17 Councilmember Weber agrees with that. He thinks attempting to regulate temperature is a slippery slope. Mayor Grant said having a bulb will provide a little warmth. Having extra chickens will help, too. He asked to discuss screening. Councilmember Monson feels the current language is so prohibitive that you can't have chickens unless you have a 6' privacy fence. Mayor Grant asked if she was advocating for unfenced chickens. Councilmember Monson said there is a difference between fencing the coop and creating a visual screen from the neighbor. Her discussions with residents have been that if you don't already have a fenced yard, that isn't chain link, you are spending thousands of dollars to block the view of chickens. Mayor Grant said without the 174 square foot per bird exercise yard, that helps. Councilmember Weber said in regards to unfenced yards, the run is required to be fully fenced, including the top. He agrees that the current language is cost prohibitive to keep six chickens. Councilmember Holden said it matters where the coop will be on the property. If its in her side yard but 300 feet from the neighbor who had the chickens, she would not want to look at that. She would want a screen. There are a lot of unique neighborhoods. We should discuss setbacks. This needs to address the residents who don't want chickens, as well. Councilmember Rousseau said for the screening she wants to talk about number 4. She wondered if we want to keep all of it, or none of it. She asked if the setbacks will align with the zoning code revisions. Councilmember Monson said page 7 says 200 feet or more, from any lot line. Councilmember Rousseau said that is for farm animals. It states "except for chicken coops". City Administrator Jagoe said the coop is section 2 and A-H. Setbacks are discussed in C, D and E. Councilmember Monson asked what the setback is for an accessory structure. City Administrator Jagoe said they are 10 feet on the side and the rear. When you look at E, you have to look at where you are placing that coop. Including the pen and exercise yard, in relation to the principal dwelling so the outer back of it isn't closer to your neighbor's property than it is to your own. The setback is based off the existing development on your property, adjacent to you and where you place the coop. It has to be configured in a way that it is closer to your house than your neighbor's. Councilmember Holden is not in favor of taking out 2E, subdivision 6. It says the coop has to be closer to your house than to your neighbor's house.