09-03-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 6, 2025 5 indicated she would support a chicken coop being located within an accessory garage. She recommended the cleaning standard language be omitted and suggested this matter be addressed by the property owners and the discretion of an animal control officer. She explained she supported chickens roaming on a property and believed it would be inhumane to not allow chickens to forage. Lastly, she supported this ordinance being renamed the poultry keeping ordinance instead of the chicken keeping ordinance. Chair Collins stated he would create a list of suggested conditions and this list could then be reviewed when a motion was on the floor. City Administrator Jagoe clarified that the City does require neighbor notice for beehives. Commissioner Burlingame recommended the hen limit be increased to seven through the issuance of a City license, and that eight hens be allowed with a CUP. He recommended chicken coop size be tiered based on the number of hens a property owner has. He recommended the coop placement be no less than 10 feet from any property line and when feasible, shall be positioned to minimize impacts to neighboring dwellings such as avoiding placement adjacent to windows, patios or frequently occupied spaces on abutting properties. He recommended cleanliness be addressed by noting all premises where chickens are kept shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition to prevent the accumulation of waste and odor and the attraction of rodents. He recommended coop bedding and manure be removed once per week or more in order to maintain sanitary conditions. Commissioner Erler recommended the language under the neighbor consent to require the applicant shall provide written notice to the neighbors immediate adjacent of their intent to keep chickens. Commissioner Lindau commented he did not have anything to add at this time. Commissioner Bjorklund reported he has raised chickens in the country. He commented in order to grow eggs a light source was needed all winter, and most of the spring and fall. He reported this light source was essential for cleaning and general maintenance. He recommended the light bulb be required. He stated chickens are good to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but below that, an additional heat source is required. He supported residents being allowed to have a six by six shed because this was more multi-purpose and would be easier to take care of. He indicated a coop that was only 25 square feet was too small he recommended coops be allowed to be as large as 36 square feet. He explained he did not support requiring residents to clean out manure on a weekly basis, he believed this was an overreach that was not realistic. He recommended the cleaning language be stricken. Chair Collins reviewed the proposed language changes with the Commission. Commissioner Birken stated she could support the first sentence that addressed coop cleaning to remain as is and recommended the remaining language be stricken as this would allow residents to dictate how they will manage the cleanliness of their coop. Commissioner Bjorklund suggested all of sub point 4 remain in place noting he did not want the City require residents to clean their coops each and every week.