08-06-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 of 6 regulations from the University of Minnesota Extension on Raising chickens for eggs. Direction was given to incorporate some of those recommendations into the current ordinance as well as having staff create a handout that refers to both of these resources as part of the City’s licensing requirements for the Keeping of Chickens. The drafted ordinance amendment incorporates these suggested revisions. Overview of Ordinance Amendments Staff has prepared a draft ordinance identifying language to be modified for the Planning Commission’s review (Attachment A). The applicable Sections to be modified are as follows: • Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A, Location for Buildings Housing Farm Animals • Section 410.01, Subd. 3, Chickens License Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A, Location for Buildings Housing Farm Animals 1) Modify language for the Keeping of Chickens a. Increase maximum number of chickens permitted from three (3) hens to six (6) hens Under the drafted Subd. 6 A. 1, the maximum number of chickens permitted is increased. The number of chickens permitted in a residential setting can vary from city to city. It is recognized in the UMN Extension resources and the Recommendations for Municipal Regulation of Urban Chickens that chickens are social animals and more than one chicken is recommended for their wellbeing. Direction was given by the City Council to increase the maximum permitted number of chickens by three to allow for up to six hens. The maximum number of chickens permitted has implications for the ordinance requirements that relate to standards per bird. b. Modify structure requirements for the keeping of chickens Several edits to the structure requirements for coops, pens, and exercise yards have been incorporated in the drafted amendment language. A coop is defined as an accessory structure for the keeping or housing of chickens permitted by the ordinance. Under the drafted Subd. 6 A. 2, A, the minimum required coop size has been increased from 12 square feet to 20 square feet. This update is related to the increased number of chickens permitted per license holder. The UMN Extension resource recommends having a minimum of 3 to 5 square feet of indoor space per bird and the Urban Chickens resource recommends 4 square feet per bird. For six chickens, this guidance would recommend between 18 and 24 square feet. A minimum coop size of 20 square feet would ensure coop sizing that can accommodate the increased number of chickens permitted. In the drafted Subd. 6 A. 2, 3, and updated 5, updated language makes it optional to have an exercise yard, defined as a larger fenced area adjacent to chicken coop and pen that provides space for exercise and foraging for the birds when supervised. The Urban Chickens resource recommends an exercise yard while the UMN Extension resource does not. Edits have been