HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-25 PC PacketAPPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 9, 2025 Planning Commission Regular Meeting
07 -09 -25 PC MINUTES -FINAL.PDF
PLANNING CASES
Planning Case 25 -007 –City Of Arden Hills –Ordinance Amendments To Zoning
Code Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A And City Code Section 410.01, Subd. 3
Regarding The Keeping Of Chickens (Public Hearing Required)
Elena Fransen, Senior Planner
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
ATTACHMENT C.PDF
ATTACHMENT D.PDF
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Report From The City Council
Planning Commission Comments
ADJOURNMENT
ADJOURN
A quorum of the City Council may be
present at this meeting.
Chair:
Joshua Collins
(2027)
Commissioners:
Brad Bjorklund
(2025)
Steve Erler (2026)
Ben Lindau, Vice
Chair (2026)
Patrick Burlingame
(2027
Nancy Jacobson
(2027)
Jessica Birken
(2027)
Katie Stromberg -
Alternate (2026)
SJ Julius -Alternate
(2027)
Council Liaison:
Kurt Weber
Planning Commission
August 6, 2025
6:30 p.m.
City Hall
Address:
1245 W Highway 96
Arden Hills MN 55112
Phone:
651 -792 -7800
Website :
www.cityofardenhills.org
City Vision
Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting,
strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained
infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable
City in which to live, work, and play.
Members of the public may attend a meeting in -person at City Hall or they may view
the meeting remotely on the City’s website using the below link. Meetings are also
broadcast on Cable Channel 16 for those that live in Arden Hills.
https://cityofardenhills.org/320/Watch -City -Meetings
Agenda
CALL TO ORDER
1.
2.
2.A.
Documents:
3.
3.A.
Documents:
4.
5.
5.A.
5.B.
6.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDAAPPROVAL OF MINUTESJuly 9, 2025 Planning Commission Regular Meeting07-09 -25 PC MINUTES -FINAL.PDF
PLANNING CASES
Planning Case 25 -007 –City Of Arden Hills –Ordinance Amendments To Zoning
Code Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A And City Code Section 410.01, Subd. 3
Regarding The Keeping Of Chickens (Public Hearing Required)
Elena Fransen, Senior Planner
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
ATTACHMENT C.PDF
ATTACHMENT D.PDF
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Report From The City Council
Planning Commission Comments
ADJOURNMENT
ADJOURN
A quorum of the City Council may be
present at this meeting.
Chair:Joshua Collins (2027)Commissioners:Brad Bjorklund (2025)Steve Erler (2026)Ben Lindau, Vice Chair (2026)Patrick Burlingame (2027Nancy Jacobson (2027)Jessica Birken (2027)Katie Stromberg -Alternate (2026)SJ Julius -Alternate (2027)Council Liaison:Kurt Weber Planning Commission August 6, 2025 6:30 p.m. City Hall Address:1245 W Highway 96Arden Hills MN 55112Phone:651 -792 -7800Website:www.cityofardenhills.orgCity VisionArden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting,strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirableCity in which to live, work, and play.Members of the public may attend a meeting in -person at City Hall or they may view the meeting remotely on the City’s website using the below link. Meetings are also broadcast on Cable Channel 16 for those that live in Arden Hills.https://cityofardenhills.org/320/Watch -City -MeetingsAgendaCALL TO ORDER1.2.2.A.Documents:
3.
3.A.
Documents:
4.
5.
5.A.
5.B.
6.
Approved: August 6, 2025
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025
6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Collins called to order the regular Planning
Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present were: Chair Joshua Collins, Commissioners Jessica Birken, Patrick Burlingame, Stephen
Erler, Nancy Jacobson, and Ben Lindau
Absent: Commissioner Brad Bjorklund.
Also present were: City Administrator Jessica Jagoe, Senior Planner Elena Fransen, Council
Liaison Kurt Weber and Jason Zimmerman of HKGi.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – JULY 9, 2025
Commissioner Erler moved, seconded by Commissioner Birken, to approve the July 9,
2025, agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 7, 2025 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Commissioner Erler moved, seconded by Chair Collins, to approve the May 7, 2025,
Planning Commission Regular Meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (6-
0).
PLANNING CASES
A.Planning Case 25-005 – 3529 Lexington Avenue North – Planned Unit Development
Amendment – Public Hearing
Senior Planner Fransen stated Brett Foss of Odds & Ends Again (“The Applicant”) is
requesting a Planned Unit Development Amendment to allow for a Class I thrift store use in an
approximately 6,943 square foot tenant space within the multi-tenant building at 3529 Lexington
Avenue (“Subject Property”). A Class I thrift store use is allowed in the B-2 General Business
Zoning District if the use does not have a drive through and there is no outdoor
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 2
collection/donation area or receiving and transferring of goods exterior of the business. However,
a Planned Unit Development Amendment is required at this location to allow for a thrift store
use due to the current permitted use in the Planned Unit Development Agreement is limited to
retail sales and services.
Senior Planner Fransen reported the City approved a Master PUD for the Arden Plaza retail
center in 2009 (Planning Case 09-011). This site is situated at the southwest corner of the County
Road E and Lexington Avenue intersection and is approximately 11 acres in size. The approved
plans included the demolition of an existing office complex and the phased redevelopment of the
site to be completed in three stages. A total of 97,035 square feet of retail and commercial
building space was approved under the original PUD. The total square footage included the
existing 35,647 square foot Building #5, where the Subject Property is located, and the original
PUD established the building’s use as retail.
Senior Planner Fransen explained the proposed use, Odds & Ends Again, a thrift store
associated with the company Senior Life Management. Odds & Ends Again is a thrift store
where items received through the moving and packing services component of Senior Life
Management may be consigned for profit. Items at Odds & Ends Again are primarily sourced
from clients of the moving and packing services. The operations of Odds & Ends Again fall
under the City’s definition of Thrift Store. By definition in the Zoning Code, a thrift store use is
defined separately from a retail sales and services use.
Senior Planner Fransen reported that the Arden Plaza PUD establishes retail sales as the
permitted use for Building #5. Due to this language in the PUD Development Agreement, a PUD
Development Agreement Amendment is required to allow for other uses at the Subject Property.
The Applicant is proposing an amendment to the PUD Development Agreement to allow for a
Class I thrift store use within Building #5 of the PUD.
Senior Planner Fransen provided an overview of the request, reviewed the Plan Evaluation and
offered the following Findings of Fact:
1.Brett Foss has requested approval of a Planned Unit Development Amendment to the
Arden Plaza Master PUD to allow for a Class I thrift store use at 3529 Lexington
Avenue, located within Building #5 of the Master PUD.
2.The original Master PUD for the development was approved in Planning Case #09-011.
Subsequent PUD Amendments were approved in Planning Case #11-016, Planning Case
#15-002, and Planning Case #15-016.
3.The original Master PUD established retail sales and services as the permitted use for
Building #5.
4.A Planned Unit Development Amendment is required to allow for a thrift store use in
Building #5 of the PUD.
5.A Class I thrift store may be permitted if they meet the conditions for all thrift stores,
conditions in the thrift store, Class I definition and the thrift store, Class I conditions.
6.The applicant has demonstrated that the proposed tenant space is located within a
multitenant building and is under 7,000 square and less than 20 percent of the total multi-
tenant building square footage, meeting the definition of a Class I thrift store.
7.The applicant has submitted materials with their request to demonstrate that the proposed
thrift store use would comply with the Zoning Code requirements.
8.A public hearing for a PUD Amendment request is required before the request can be
brought before the City Council.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 3
Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission for
Planning Case 25-005 for a PUD Amendment to the Arden Plaza PUD at 3529 Lexington
Avenue:
1. Recommend Approval with Conditions
1.The PUD shall continue to abide by the conditions of all previous Master PUD
Agreements, permits, and reviews, except as hereinafter amended for Building 5.
2.A PUD Amendment shall be prepared by the City Attorney and subject to City
Council approval for the Development.
3.Prior to issuance of the business license, the PUD Amendment shall be recorded
with the Ramsey County Recorder's Office.
4.A violation of any condition set forth in the approval shall be violation of this
Code, and shall be cause for revocation of the approval.
5.The PUD Amendment shall allow for a combination of retail sales and services
and Class I thrift store use in Building #5 of the PUD, subject to the Zoning Code use
definitions and requirements. Class I thrift store uses in Building #5 shall not exceed
7,000 square feet or 20 percent of the building square footage in the multi-tenant
building, whichever is lower.
6.The project shall be completed in accordance with the submitted plans as
amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as
determined by the Community Development Director, shall require review and approval
by the Planning Commission and City Council.
2. Recommend Approval as Submitted
3.Recommend Denial
4.Table
Chair Collins opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
Commissioner Jacobson asked if the building only had one loading dock and if so would the
applicant have access to the loading dock area.
Senior Planner Fransen deferred this question to the applicant.
Chair Collins requested the applicant address this question during the public hearing.
Commissioner Lindau explained he supported the request.
Commissioner Erler commented he believed several of the conditions appeared to be
redundant, including Conditions 1, 5 and 6. He asked if these conditions were necessary.
Senior Planner Fransen explained Conditions 1 and 6 were standard conditions and were stated
to ensure the proposed moved forward according to plans. She reported Condition 5 had
language that explained Building 5 will have reached its capacity for the Class I thrift store use,
noting 7,000 square feet was the maximum area allotted in a multi-tenant building.
City Administrator Jagoe reported the intention of Condition 1 was to ensure the applicant
and/or property owner understands that any previous approvals, would be memorialized or
captured and there was no redaction to the previous approval.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 4
Commissioner Lindau thanked staff for the comments. He asked if a motion for approval as
submitted would include all of the conditions as submitted by staff.
Chair Collins explained the conditions were restating things to ensure the applicant understands
all previous conditions will remain in place for the PUD.
Commissioner Birken commented the proposed conditions as drafted by staff would provide
the applicant with a customized checklist for how to comply with City standards. She stated she
supported all conditions from staff remaining in place.
Chair Collins agreed, noting the conditions were not burdensome for the applicant.
Commissioner Burlingame questioned what would happen if the applicant’s business model
were to change or expand in the future.
Senior Planner Fransen commented Condition 6 would address any expansion or changes to
the Class I thrift store and a review would have to take place at the City staff level.
Chair Collins opened the public hearing at 7:01 p.m.
Chair Collins invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment.
There being no comments Chair Collins closed the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
Chair Collins invited the applicant to step forward to provide comments.
Brett Foss, Odds & Ends Again, reported the building had two loading docks and they were
rather small. He explained one was used by Frattalone’s and the only time he would use the
loading dock area would be to unload items into the store. He stated he had two moving vans that
were used for the transit of goods.
Commissioner Burlingame questioned if the vans were considered exterior storage.
Mr. Foss commented nothing was stored in the vans, but rather the vans are used to transfer
goods to the store.
Commissioner Jacobson inquired if the other businesses in the strip mall use the loading dock
areas.
Mr. Foss reported the other businesses do not utilize the loading dock area, but rather only use
the rear service doors for deliveries.
Commissioner Jacobson stated she recommended approval of the PUD amendment with
conditions as noted by staff.
Commissioner Birken moved and Commissioner Burlingame seconded a motion to
recommend approval of Planning Case 25-005 for a PUD Amendment to the Arden Plaza
PUD at 3529 Lexington Avenue based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as
amended by the conditions in the July 9, 2025, report to the Planning Commission. The
motion carried unanimously (6-0).
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 5
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update Discussion - HKGi
Jason Zimmerman, HKGi, commented HKGi was selected by the City of Arden Hills to
complete an update to the existing Zoning and Subdivision ordinances. The Planning
Commission, as the body most involved with the application of the code, will help conduct a
technical review of the proposed changes and provide recommendations to the City Council. The
first two work sessions covered base zoning districts, use tables, required lot and site standards,
and general development standards.
Mr. Zimmerman explained at the second work session, the Planning Commission provided
feedback on the lot and site standards for non-residential and mixed use districts, as well as
thoughts on comments on a number of general development standards (parking and EV charging,
signage, landscaping, exterior storage, and outdoor lighting). The City Council reviewed the
recommendations for updates to lot and site standards and was generally in agreement. The
Council has taken additional time to work through the use tables, as well as the general
development standards, so these sections are still being revised. Draft zoning text for these topics
will be forwarded to the Planning Commission once they are available. Following the second
work session, HKGi received a few comments from Commissioners and worked to incorporate
this feedback into the revisions. Commissioner comments mostly confirmed the direction of the
recommendations that were provided, though asked a few additional clarifying questions or
made minor suggestions for consideration. There are three topics that will be discussed at the
third work session:
•Use Specific Standards
•Subdivision Regulations
•Procedures
Mr. Zimmerman stated Use Specific Standards are requirements associated with uses listed in
zoning use tables. These standards are typically applied when uses are approved as Permitted
with Standards or as Conditional Uses. The common theme is that the City has identified certain
standards that should apply regardless of the circumstances surrounding a given application, and
these are included in the text of the zoning chapter. If a use is Permitted with Standards, the
requirements are evaluated by staff to determine if they are being met before issuing a permit. If
a use requires a Conditional Use Permit, these same standards must be followed but there may be
other requirements that would be determined as part of the public process.
Mr. Zimmerman commented the Subdivision Chapter (Chapter 11) deals with how land is
divided and platted, and includes minimum standards that dictate the design of streets, blocks,
lots, easements, and other elements of land development. It also contains requirements related to
public improvements that must be installed by the developer, such as streets, street trees, street
lighting, utilities, sidewalks, etc. For the most part, the existing code is typical for a suburban
community and does not need extensive modification. HKGi is proposing to reorganize some
parts of the chapter and to simplify some of the language.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 6
Mr. Zimmerman explained the final major section of code to be updated involves the
procedures for processing land use applications. As currently outlined in the zoning chapter, the
list of applications that the City considers includes:
•Zoning text amendments
•Zoning map amendments
•Interim use permits
•Conditional use permits
•Planned Unit Developments
•Comprehensive Plan amendments
•Variances (no public hearing required)
•Site plan review (no public hearing required)
Mr. Zimmerman reported HKGi evaluated the procedures for receiving, reviewing, and
considering approval for each of these applications. He reviewed his recommendations for the
City in further detail with the Planning Commission. It was noted following Work Session #3,
HKGi will draft revisions to the zoning code text and review the proposed changes with staff. A
summary of the session will be forwarded to the City Council. If there are topics or clarifying
questions that need to be reviewed with the Planning Commission, additional work sessions may
be needed. Once all questions have been addressed, the first complete draft of the new zoning
and subdivision text will be shared for review and comment.
Chair Collins opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
Commissioner Burlingame explained he had created a list of proposed hours of operation and
buffers, and passed this list along to Mr. Zimmerman. He read the list in full for the record.
Commissioner Erler commented on the senior developments that had recently been developed
in Arden Hills, noting not a single affordable unit had been included. He questioned how the City
would incorporate into City Code some level of commitment to affordable housing.
Mr. Zimmerman stated this may not be the place to do it, but explained PUDs could be the way
to create an exchange in order to receive affordable housing units. He reported another option
would be to require developers to provide a certain percentage of affordable housing units at a
certain AMI. He indicated this was typically a policy the City would have in place and was not
written into City Code. He explained the City could offer incentives for developers that work to
provide affordable units.
City Administrator Jagoe reported this was an area where staff would be seeking further
direction from the City Council.
Commissioner Jacobson suggested the code not have more lists of things to follow, but rather
recommended the Code language be simplified.
Mr. Zimmerman indicated the code language has been simplified, noting the idea was not to
create standards for every use, but rather there may be certain uses where standards need to be
built into the code.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 7
Chair Collins asked if there were categories or types of uses that were missing from those listed
in the code.
Mr. Zimmerman stated he did not believe there were categories missing. He believed the proper
number of categories were included.
Chair Collins inquired if tech language should be incorporated into City Code.
Mr. Zimmerman commented this was very challenging because people have talked about it for
years, but until something comes forward it was difficult to draft the language. He reported the
City could draft standards in the future when the technology comes forward.
Chair Collins questioned if environmental impacts were being drafted into zoning language in
other cities.
Mr. Zimmerman reported he saw this addressed most in landscaping and tree requirements,
along with the amount of greenspace that had to be preserved. He stated if this were a goal or a
priority of the City, natural resources and environmental impacts could be further addressed
within the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Chair Collins asked if the City could zone against data centers, given the amount of natural
resources they consume.
Mr. Zimmerman indicated this use could be added to a performance standard list. He noted data
centers were typically ending up in rural communities, but he understood there were
environmental impacts from these uses.
Commissioner Burlingame commented he was generally supportive of the current standards
concept so long as there was the ability to redefine. He stated he also wanted to take a closer look
at the neighborhood business zones.
Commissioner Erler requested staff provide the Commission with a summary of the list that
was provided to staff by Commissioner Burlingame.
Mr. Zimmerman highlighted the changes that were suggested for the City Code regarding
subdivisions and asked for comments or questions regarding this portion of code.
Commissioner Lindau asked if the TCAAP guidance should be carried over into the remainder
of the City for continuity purposes.
Mr. Zimmerman reported the City’s Zoning Code was separate from the TCAAP
Redevelopment Code. The subdivision chapter of the code applies citywide, anywhere that land
would be divided with new lots created. It applies to both TCAAP and the rest of the City.
Council Liaison Weber explained the Joint Development Authority would be taking a close
look at the TRC in the near term and could take this under consideration.
Commissioner Jacobson inquired if the park dedication percentage was typical.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 8
Mr. Zimmerman reported park dedication fees vary across the State. He was of the opinion the
City’s park dedication fees were not out of alignment when compared to other cities. He
commented on how some cities have been asked to justify their fees by the court system and
have had to evaluate if their particular park system justifies the proposed numbers.
Commissioner Birken stated she supported the proposed changes to the subdivision portion of
City Code and appreciated how some City processes would be streamlined.
Chair Collins asked if the Commission supported lot lines to be addressed by City staff. The
Commission supported this adjustment within City Code.
Mr. Zimmerman highlighted the changes that were suggested for the City Code regarding
procedures and asked for comments or questions regarding this portion of code.
Commissioner Erler explained he supported adding a statement into the PUD process that
encourages developers to provide affordable housing where applicable. He questioned if this
could also be done within site plan review projects.
Mr. Zimmerman reported in both scenarios the City can ask or encourage this, but with site
plan review, the City cannot pressure or hold an approval over a developer’s head in order to
gain compliance.
Chair Collins stated he supported Commissioner Erler’s recommendation and noted he would
like to see the City incorporating affordable housing into future PUD/housing and site plan
developments.
Mr. Zimmerman indicated the City could benefit by having a broader policy in place when it
comes to affordable housing. He stated he could provide the City with examples of affordable
housing policies in other cities.
Commissioner Lindau explained he supported staff being able to address minor issues as an
administrative issue.
Commissioner Erler agreed.
Further discussion ensued regarding PUDs and the flexibility that should be offered within PUDs
as well as a City list of priorities and identified public benefits for PUDs.
Commissioner Birken indicated she supported the City having more language and standards in
place when it comes to encouraging affordable housing. She stated she was curious to learn
where a list of City priorities in a PUD comes from and if it should be driven by the
Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Zimmerman explained the list can be driven by the Comp Plan and natural preservation
requirements. He stated this could also be driven by other values that Arden Hills has.
Commissioner Birken reported she would recommend any changes to a lighting plan be
brought back to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and that this not be
addressed at a City staff level.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 9
Commissioner Burlingame inquired if Arden Hills was overly heavy when it comes to
procedures.
Mr. Zimmerman stated he believed this was the case, noting Arden Hills required more CUP’s
for uses which then also required extra public hearings and time. He reported this was what led
him to suggest some matters be addressed at a staff level.
Commissioner Burlingame indicated he could support streamlining minor changes if staff has a
clear criteria and checklist to follow.
Commissioner Jacobson asked where ADUs (accessory dwelling units) sit at this time.
Mr. Zimmerman reported he had received feedback from the Planning Commission that this
group supported exploring ADUs and this information was provided to the City Council. He
commented the decision from the City Council was to not include this as part of the zoning code
update, but rather to have this be a standalone matter that can be addressed in the future.
Chair Collins explained he supported the City further addressing environmental impact and
energy consumption issues within the Comp Plan.
Mr. Zimmerman reviewed the next steps for the zoning code ordinance update project noting
the comments from the Planning Commission would be brought to the City Council and he
would be working on creating a draft zoning code document.
REPORTS
A. Report from the City Council
Council Liaison Weber provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. He
thanked the Commission for their robust discussion on the zoning code ordinance update. He
noted the City Council was still working through the use table that was previously reviewed by
the Planning Commission. He indicated the Council had approved the amended thrift store use
zoning language with an amendment to remove Class II thrift store uses from the B-3 zoning
district. He reported the Council was reviewing a chicken keeping ordinance that would be
coming to the Commission at a future meeting.
B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests
None.
ADJOURN
Chair Collins moved, seconded by Commissioner Lindau, to adjourn the July 9, 2025,
Planning Commission Meeting at 8:42 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
Page 1 of 6
PC Agenda Item – 3A
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 6, 2025
TO: Planning Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Elena Fransen, AICP, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Planning Case #25-007 – Public Hearing Required
Applicant: City of Arden Hills
Request: Ordinance Amendments to Zoning Code Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A
and City Code Section 410.01, Subd. 3 regarding the Keeping of Chickens
Requested Action
• The City of Arden Hills is proposing ordinance language in the Zoning Code to modify
language for the keeping of chickens in the residential zoning districts in Section 1325.07
Subd. 6.A, Location for Buildings Housing Farm Animals. The proposed amendment
would include revisions to the City Code amending Section 410.01, Subd. 3, Chickens
License.
Background
At the May 12 City Council Work Session, the City Council requested that the ordinance for the
keeping of chickens be scheduled for discussion. At the June 9 work session, the Council began
the review and discussion on potential amendments to Ordinance 2021-008 for the Keeping of
Chickens.
The discussion for the Keeping of Chickens continued at the June 30 Special Work Session. Staff
prepared a redlined version of the Keeping of Chickens ordinance with the amendments discussed
and generally agreed upon by the Council. At the June 30 Special Work Session, the Council
discussed additional items to be incorporated into the redlined ordinance, such as setbacks, number
of accessory structures including a coop, fencing/screening, cleaning standards, and leg banding
requirements.
The City Council’s intent with the revisions to the keeping of chickens ordinance was to keep the
code language consistent with best practices. The current ordinance language solely references
Recommendations of Municipal Regulation of Urban Chickens. Council discussed several
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
Page 3 of 6
incorporated to allow license holders the option to install an exercise yard without setting a
minimum size requirement for an exercise yard.
The drafted language in Subd. 6 A. 3 updates the language for a pen, which is defined as a fully
enclosed and covered area attached to a coop where the chickens can roam unsupervised. Some
cities use this same definition to define a run. In the drafted language, pen remains a required area
for the keeping of chickens with a minimum size per bird of 10 square feet of floor space. Both
the Urban Chickens and Extension resource reference a pen, with the latter resource
recommending 10 square feet minimum per bird. The City Council has discussed modifying the
minimum size per bird, with one member suggesting 8 square feet per bird and another supporting
a larger minimum size per bird. The Planning Commission may consider discussing the minimum
pen size per bird and if there is a recommendation to the City Council to further amend this
language.
c. Modify coop location and setback requirements
The drafted Subd. 6 A. 2. e. updates the location requirements for a coop and pen and incorporates
specific language that the outer limit of the coop and pen shall in no instance be located less than
10 feet from the property line, but remains the same on the standard that these shall be closer to
the principal dwelling upon the license holder property than any other abutting property. This
language conforms with the setback requirements for an accessory structure.
d. Remove screening requirements for areas dedicated to the keeping of chickens
The drafted amendment includes removing Subd. 6 A. 4, which removes the requirement for
screening to be installed around the perimeter of the area for the keeping of chickens. A fence
around a pen is still a requirement in 6 A. 3 but a fence around the entire chicken keeping area is
proposed to be removed. The Urban Chickens resource recommends that pens are fenced and
recommends the use of privacy fencing while the Extension resource does not explicitly reference
fencing. The intent with striking this item is to remove a requirement that could be seen as cost
prohibitive when combined with the requirement for a pen to be fully fenced and covered as noted
in A. 3 and definitions of Chapter 4, Animals and Pets.
e. Modify language for the required maintenance of chickens
The drafted revisions in Subd. 6 B. include updates for the required maintenance of chickens. In
6. A. 2.f, language has been added to update requirements for climate control from a specific
temperature in line with guidance from the Extension resource. In 2.g, language that was
previously addressed in A. 7 is incorporated with the first reference to maintaining a rodent-free
environment and the reference was removed from A. 7. Similarly, 2.i is updated to reference that
chickens must not be housed in a residential house or an attached or detached garage, which was
originally in the previous version A. 5 and is proposed to be removed in the drafted amendment.
Subd. 6 A. 4 describes the requirement to keep all premises on which hens are kept clean. The
provision does not include a specific frequency for cleaning, and this is common in other cities’
ordinances for the keeping of chickens as well. The Extension resource references weekly coop
Page 4 of 6
and pen cleaning and the Urban Chickens resource references both daily and yearly cleaning
habits. The City Council generally expressed interest in removing any reference to daily cleaning
and incorporating best practices to maintain a clean environment to control odors and deter rodents.
The Planning Commission may consider discussion on additional language to establish a required
cleaning routine within this section of the ordinance.
f. Establish a pathway for a homeowner to repurpose a coop into a storage structure
As drafted, Subd. 6 A. 7 would allow for a homeowner to repurpose a coop on their property if
they decide to cease keeping chickens and the coop is compliant with the accessory structure
requirements. Residential properties are permitted up to two accessory structures but as noted in 6
B. 2.b, a residential property with a detached garage and an accessory structure will be allowed a
third accessory structure for keeping chickens. If a chicken license holder decides not to renew
their license, and was allowed a coop as a third accessory structure, they would need to remove
the structure. However, if the coop was allowed as a second accessory, and is in conformance with
the accessory structure requirements, the coop could be repurposed by the homeowner. This
language is incorporated to allow for conforming structures to be retained if the homeowner
wanted to go down that path.
Section 410.01, Subd. 3, Chickens License
As part of the City Council’s review of the keeping of chickens ordinance, amendment language
was also suggested for the City Code section for chicken licenses.
2) Revisions to the Chickens License requirements
a. Modify license fee to be one set fee rather than a fee for each chicken
In Subd. 3 C, the Council has suggested an edit to the chickens license fee, changing the fee from
a fee per chicken to one fee per license. The fee is established in the City’s fee schedule, which is
reviewed and adopted on an annual basis.
b. Remove the leg banding requirement for all chickens
The drafted language in Subd. 3 E removes provision number 1 and the requirement for leg
banding of all chickens. Neither the Extension resource nor the Urban Chickens resource reference
leg banding so this revision would be in accordance with the best practices.
c. Update reference to resources reviewed
Provision number 2 under Subd. 3 E revises the referenced material from the “Recommendations
for Municipal Regulations for Urban Chickens” to “The Arden Hills Keeping of Chickens
Informational Handout.” The newly referenced handout will be drafted by staff following the
adoption of the ordinance amendment and will reflect the updated ordinance and reference the
University of Minnesota Extension resources for keeping chickens in addition to the
Recommendations for Municipal Regulations for Urban Chickens. The intent with this update to
E.2 is to incorporate additional best practices for the keeping of chickens.
Page 5 of 6
An ordinance amendment to the Zoning Code does require a public hearing before the Planning
Commission.
Findings of Fact
The Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed application
would adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood or the community as a whole based on the
aforementioned factors. Staff offers the following findings for consideration:
General Findings:
1. The City of Arden Hills is proposing to amend ordinance language for the keeping of
chickens.
2. The proposed ordinance will include amendments to the language of Chapter 13 – Zoning
Code of the City Code.
3. Amendments to the Zoning Code regulations require a public hearing prior to action by
the City Council.
Options and Motion Language
Staff has provided the following options and motion language for this case. The Planning
Commission should consider providing additional findings of fact as part of the motion to support
their recommendation for approval or denial.
• Recommend Approval: Motion to recommend approval as written of Planning Case 25-
007 for Ordinance Amendments to Zoning Code Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A and City Code
Section 410.01, Subd. 3 regarding the Keeping of Chickens, based on the findings of fact
and as presented in the August 6, 2025 Report to the Planning Commission.
• Recommend Approval with Amendments: Motion to recommend approval with
amendments of Planning Case 25-007 for Ordinance Amendments to Zoning Code Section
1325.07, Subd. 6.A and City Code Section 410.01, Subd. 3 regarding the Keeping of
Chickens, based on the findings of fact and the August 6, 2025 Report to the Planning
Commission with amendments: a specific reason should be included with all amendments.
• Recommend Denial: Motion to recommend denial Planning Case 25-007 for Ordinance
Amendments to Zoning Code Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A and City Code Section 410.01,
Subd. 3 regarding the Keeping of Chickens, based on the following findings: findings to
deny should specifically reference the reasons for denial and why those reasons cannot be
mitigated.
• Table: Motion to table Planning Case 25-007 for Ordinance Amendments to Zoning Code
Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A and City Code Section 410.01, Subd. 3 regarding the Keeping
of Chickens: a specific reason and information request should be included with a motion
to table.
Page 6 of 6
Notice
A Zoning Code Amendment requires a public hearing. Notice was published in the Pioneer
Press on July 25, 2025. The City has not received any public comments regarding this case.
Attachments
A) Draft Keeping of Chickens Ordinance Amendment
B) Redline Draft Keeping of Chickens Ordinance Amendment
C) Recommendations for Municipal Regulations of Urban Chickens
D) University of Minnesota Extension – Raising Chickens for Eggs
216591v2
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-_____
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4,
ANIMALS AND PETS, SECTION 410; AND CHAPTER 13,
ZONING CODE, SECTION 1325 OF THE ARDEN HILLS CITY CODE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 4 – Animals and Pets, Section 410 – Licenses, Subsection 410.01,
Licenses Required, is hereby amended as follows:
410.00 - Licenses
410.01 License Required.
The following animal licenses shall be required within the City of Arden Hills.
Subd. 1 Dog/Cat Licenses. All dogs and cats within the City of Arden Hills, except as
hereinafter provided, shall be licensed.
A. Application. Within thirty (30) days after acquiring possession of a dog or cat which has
not been licensed by the City of Arden Hills, the owner of the dog or cat shall make application
for a dog or cat license. The application shall be on forms provided by the City of Arden Hills.
B. Vaccination. It shall be unlawful for any dog or cat owner to keep or maintain any dog
or cat older than six (6) months of age unless it shall have been vaccinated with an anti-rabies
vaccine certified to be effective by a licensed veterinarian. No license renewal shall be issued
except upon compliance with this section.
C. License Fee. The license fee for each dog or cat must be submitted with the
application. The fee will be established by City Council Resolution.
D. Duration of License. A license shall be issued for a period of time not to exceed the
expiration date of the rabies vaccination. No dog or cat license shall be renewed without proof
of vaccination.
E. Issuance of License. Upon completion of the application form, receipt of the license fee
and receipt of the proof of vaccination, the City Administrator shall cause a dog or cat license to
be issued to the applicant for a particular dog or cat.
216591v2
F. Receipt and Tags. The City of Arden Hills shall issue a license fee receipt to the
applicant along with a metallic dog or cat license tag. The applicant shall permanently affix the
tag by a metal fastening device to the collar of the licensed animal in a manner that allows the
tag to be easily observed. If a tag is lost, a duplicate may be issued by the City of Arden Hills
upon presentation of a receipt showing payment of the initial license fee and upon payment of an
additional fee for each duplicate tag.
G. Change of Address. An applicant who has obtained a dog or cat license shall notify the
City of the applicant's address changes within the corporate limits of the City within ten (10)
days of any address change.
H. Counterfeit Tags. No person shall counterfeit or attempt to counterfeit dog or cat license
tags.
I. Transfer of Tags. No person shall transfer a dog or cat tag from one dog or cat to another.
J. Exceptions. The following dogs and cats are not required to be licensed:
1. Dogs and cats less than six (6) months of age.
2. Dogs and cats whose owners are temporary visitors within the City for thirty (30)
days or less.
3. Dogs and cats which are brought into the City for appearance in an animal show.
4. Dogs being used by law enforcement officers
Subd. 2 Wild Animal Licenses.
A. General Prohibition. All wild animals except the following are prohibited within the
City of Arden Hills:
1. Wild animals brought into the City for entertainment, exhibition or show purposes
by persons keeping wild animals for a public zoo.
2. Wild animals which are part of a permanent display sponsored by a bona fide
research institution, a veterinary hospital, public zoo or other institution.
3. Nonpoisonous snakes, birds kept indoors, hamsters, mice, rabbits, gerbils, white rats,
guinea pigs, chinchillas, or lizards and similar small animals capable of being kept in cages
continuously.
4. Monkeys trained as personal helpers and kept by handicapped persons.
5. Raptors owned by licensed Falconers holding valid state and federal Falconry
permits so long as the conditions of such permits are being satisfied.
6. Wild animals and birds that are part of the natural habitat and environment.
B. License Application. Applications for a Wild Animal License shall be submitted on
forms provided by the City along with a Certificate of Insurance which indicates that applicant
has $200,000 of liability coverage on the Wild Animal and which includes an endorsement
indicating that the liability coverage will not be cancelled without twenty (20) days written
notice to the City of Arden Hills.
C. Investigation. The Animal Control Officer shall review the application, conduct such
investigation as the Animal Control Officer deems necessary, and shall prepare a written
recommendation regarding the issuance of a Wild Animal License. The City Administrator shall
within ten (10) days mail a notice to all property owners within 350 feet of the site on which the
Wild Animal will be kept. The notice shall indicate that the City has received an application for
a Wild Animal License and shall request comments from such property owners.
D. Review. The City Council shall review the application, the Animal Control Officer's
recommendations, and the comments from property owners. The City Council may issue a Wild
216591v2
Animal License if it determines that the application is in compliance with the City's regulations.
The City Council may attach any reasonable conditions to the issuance of a license as it
determines to be necessary in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Arden Hills
residents.
E. Existing Wild Animals. Anyone keeping a Wild Animal in Arden Hills at the time of the
adoption of this regulation shall have ninety (90) days in which to comply with the provisions of
this regulation or otherwise remove the Wild Animal from the City. Extensions beyond ninety
(90) days may be granted by the City Council for good cause but in no case shall such extension
permanently exempt a person from the requirements of this regulation.
F. Wild Animal Restrictions.
1. Confinement. No person owning or harboring or having the care or custody of a
wild animal shall suffer or permit such animal to go unconfined on the premises of such
person. A wild animal is "unconfined" as the term is used in this section if such animal is not
securely confined indoors or confined in a secure enclosure suitably sized for the wild animal is
confined therein. An "enclosure" is secure within the meaning of this section if it is constructed
of heave gauge mesh steel, or other suitable material; consists of a top and sides, with the bottom
of such sides fastened along their perimeter to a slab floor of concrete or other suitable material;
where no slab floor is provided, the sides must be embedded into the ground no less than one
foot; all access points of the enclosure must be locked when the animal is confined therein. The
Animal control officer may seize a wild animal that has been declared dangerous that is
unconfined.
2. Muzzling. No person owning or harboring, or having the care of a wild animal shall
suffer or permit such animal to go beyond the premises of such person unless such animal is
securely muzzled and restrained with a chain not exceeding three (3) feet in length, and having a
tensile strength sufficient to restrain the animal. Wild animals which are actively participating in
recognized local, regional or national trials, training or other such sponsored competition, need
not to be muzzled while being transported to or from during such competitions.
3. Summary Destruction. Any person harboring or owning a wild animal that is found
to be in violation of the City's Animal Control Regulations may be summarily destroyed.
Subd. 3 Chickens License. All chickens within the City of Arden Hills, except as hereinafter
provided, shall be licensed.
A. Application. Within thirty (30) days after acquiring possession of a chicken which has
not been licensed by the City of Arden Hills, the owner of the chicken(s) shall make application
for a chickens license. The application shall be on forms provided by the City of Arden Hills. If
the Applicant is a renter, the Property Owner signature shall be required on the license
application form.
B. Neighbor Consent. The Applicant shall be responsible for providing notification to the
neighbors immediately adjacent to the property of their intent to keep chickens. This notification
will be distributed in the format provided by the City. Neighbor written responses will be
returned to the City. Neighbor consent from all of the immediately adjacent properties is
required for issuance of the license. The failure of a neighboring Property Owner to respond
does not constitute consent.
C. License Fee. The license fee for each chicken must be submitted with the
application. The fee will be established by City Council Resolution.
216591v2
D. Duration of License. A two year license shall be issued.
E. Issuance of License. Upon completion of the application form and receipt of the license
fee, the City Administrator shall cause a chicken license to be issued to the applicant subject to:
(1) Leg banding of all chickens is required. The bands must identify the owner and
the owner’s address and telephone number.
(2) (1) Dead chickens must be disposed of according to the Minnesota Board of
Animal Health rules which require chicken carcasses to be disposed of as soon as
possible after death, usually within forty-eight (48) to seventy-two (72) hours.
Legal forms of chicken carcass disposal include burial, off-site incineration or
rendering, or composting.
(3) (2) Prior to issuance of a license, the prospective annual license holder certifies as
part of the application review that they have read “Keeping of Chickens
Informational Handout” “Recommendations for Municipal Regulations for Urban
Chickens”.
F. The following are prohibited within the City of Arden Hills for chickens:
(1) Roosters are prohibited.
(2) No breeding of chickens is allowed.
(3) Slaughtering of chickens on the property is prohibited.
SECTION 2. Chapter 13 – Zoning Code, Section 1325 – General Regulations,
Subsection 1325.07, Performance Standards, is hereby amended as follows:
1325.00 – General Regulations
1325.07 Performance Standards.
Subd. 1 Maintenance.
A. Health and Safety. In all districts, all buildings and structures, including fences and
required landscaping, shall be maintained so as not to be unsightly or present harmful health or
safety conditions.
B. Snow Removal. In all districts, it shall be the responsibility of the residential and/or
business land owner to insure proper snow removal from the sidewalks within twenty-four (24)
hours after the last accumulation of two (2) inches or more.
Subd. 2 Refuse.
A. Containment. In all districts, any waste materials, debris, refuse or garbage shall be
stored and kept in accordance with the requirements of Section 660.05 of the City Municipal
Code, as the same may be amended from time to time.
B. Noxious Weeds and Objectionable Plant Growth. Land shall be kept free of noxious
weeds and unsightly or objectionable plant growth of eight (8) inches or more in height.
C. Home Interiors. Home interiors shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition free of
any accumulation of rubbish and garbage in compliance with State Health Regulations.
216591v2
D. Compliance Deadline. Existing uses shall comply with these provisions within thirty
(30) days following the effective date of this Code.
Subd. 3 Exterior Storage.
A. Residential Districts.
1. Materials and Equipment. All materials and equipment shall be stored within a
building or be fully screened so as not to be visible from adjoining lots, except for the following:
Laundry drying and recreational equipment, construction and landscaping materials currently
(within a period of twelve (12) months) being used on the premises; agricultural materials and
equipment if these are used or intended for use on the premises; off-street parking of passenger
cars and pickup trucks.
2. Boats, Trailers and Utility Vehicles. Exterior storage of boats, trailers and utility
vehicles is not permitted in any residential district, except as regulated in Section 1325.12.
B. Business and Industrial Districts.
1. Screening. All exterior storage in the business and industrial districts shall be
screened from public view, except materials and equipment currently being used for on-site
construction.
2. Parking. Vehicles, including but not limited to cars, trucks, buses and RV's parked
and/or stored in public view for more than a period of seven (7) days shall be prohibited unless
allowed by the permitted business or industrial use, except as regulated in Section 1325.12.
Subd. 4 Electrical and Radiation Emissions. No activities shall be permitted that emit
dangerous radioactivity beyond an enclosed area. There shall be no electrical disturbance
adversely affecting the operation at any point of any equipment other than that of the creator of
such disturbances.
Subd. 5 Environmental Pollution. Emission or creation of noise, odors, vibrations, glare,
dust, smoke, heat and toxic or noxious fumes shall conform to such standards as are from time to
time established by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. None of these shall be at a level
that is objectionable to surrounding properties.
Subd. 6 Animals.
A. Location for Buildings Housing Farm Animals. Any building in which farm animals are
kept shall be located a distance of two hundred (200) feet or more from any lot line. Any
open structure in which farm animals are kept shall be a distance of four hundred (400)
feet or more from any lot line, except for chicken coops and bee hives in the R-1, R-2, and
R-3 Districts provided the following requirements are met:
Chicken Coops
(1) No more than six (6) three (3) hens shall be housed or kept on any one (1)
residential lot with the issuance of a City license.
(2) A separate coop is required to house the chickens. Coops must be constructed and
maintained to meet the following minimum
a. A coop with a minimum of 20 12 square feet and no larger than 25 square feet is
permitted as an accessory structure subject to Section 1325.01. Subd. 4 A. for
Size.
b. Exemption to Ordinance - A residential property with a single car detached
garage and an accessory structure/shed will be allowed a third accessory
structure for keeping chickens. The combined square footage of all three
detached structures may not exceed 728 square feet.
216591v2
c. Located in the rear yard. Chicken Coop, pen, and optional exercise yard are not
permitted in the front or side yard.
d. Setbacks are subject to applicable accessory structure setbacks of the underlying
zoning district. In no instance shall the coop be located in front of the rear
building line of the principal structure.
e. The outer limit of the coop including pen and exercise yard shall in no instance
be located less than 10 feet from the property line and shall be located closer to
the principal dwelling upon the property that is issued a license than any other
residential dwelling on an abutting property.
f. Climate control – adequate ventilation and/or insulation and an operable
lightbulb to maintain the coop temperature between 45 – 85 degrees
Fahrenheit. Prior to issuance of an annual license, the prospective annual
license holder must provide a plan for maintaining an adequate temperature
in the coop for safety of the fowl or poultry. The plan must address both
extreme winter and summer temperature conditions.
g. Rodent proof – coop construction, all grain and food, and materials must
be adequate to prevent access by rodents.
h. Coops shall be constructed and maintained in a workmanlike manner.
i. Chickens must not be housed in a residential house or an attached or detached
garage.
(3) A pen and exercise yard is required. Pen and exercise yard must be constructed and
maintained to meet the following minimum standard:
a. The pen shall be and exercise yard is located adjacent to the coop and shall be
fenced with adequate coverage to keep hens in and predators out of a material
that can be easily raked or regularly replaced to reduce odor and flies.
b. Minimum size per bird shall be:
i. Pen – 10 square feet of floor space
ii. Exercise yard - 174 square feet
(4) Screening shall be installed around the perimeter of the area dedicated for the
keeping of chickens in a manner that minimizes view from adjacent parcels. A
screening plan shall be approved as part of license application subject to any
additional permit requirements for installation. Acceptable forms of screening are a
six (6) foot tall solid fence or vegetation that shall consist of plantings which shall
provide for year round screening and installed at a minimum of six (6) feet tall.
(5) Chickens must not be housed in a residential house or an attached or detached
garage.
(6) (4) All premises on which hens are kept or maintained shall be kept clean from filth,
garbage, and any substances which attract rodents. The coop and its surrounding
must be cleaned frequently enough to control odor. Manure shall not be allowed to
accumulate in a way that causes an unsanitary condition or causes odors detectible
on another property. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the
officer removing chickens from the premises or revoking a chicken license.
(7) All grain and food stored for the use of the hens on a premise with a chicken
license shall be kept in a rodent proof container.
(8) (5) Hens, coop, pen, and exercise yard shall not be kept in such a manner as to
constitute a nuisance to the occupants of adjacent property.
216591v2
(9) (6) Any violation of the above conditions, (i.e. roaming chickens,
uncontrolled odor), if not remedied within 10 days, may result in revocation
of the homeowner’s license.
(10) (7) If the license holder does not renew their chicken license discontinues
having chickens, and the coop was licensed as an allowed third accessory
structure for chickens, the coop/third structure cannot be repurposed for a
storage structure and the homeowner shall have 60 days to remove the coop,
and pen, and exercise yard associated with the keeping of chickens in its
entirety. If the coop was licensed as an allowed third accessory structure for
chickens, the coop/third structure must be removed and cannot be
repurposed for a storage structure. If the homeowner/license holder fails to
comply perform either of the above, the City may enter upon the subject
property, remove the coop, and pen, and exercise yard from the
homeowner’s property, and charge the amount back to the homeowner as an
assessment on the property tax roll. If the coop was licensed as an allowed
second accessory structure, and the property complies with the accessory
structure requirements, the structure may be repurposed for a storage
structure.
Bee Hives
(1) The number of hives on residential lots is not to exceed:
i. 1 acre or larger: 8
ii. 1 acre to 3/4 acre: 6
iii. 3/4 acre to 1/2 acre: 4
iv. 1/2 acre or less: 2
(2) The bee hive(s) may not be located in the front yard or a side yard abutting a street.
(3) Bee hive(s) may be no closer than twenty-five (25) feet to an occupied building on
another lot and/or any public trail or walkway.
(4) The hives shall be located at least ten (10) feet from side and rear property lines.
(5) Any property owner who keeps bees shall provide and maintain a nearby, designated
water source.
(6) Prior to installation of the bee hive(s), the property owner shall provide written notice to
the neighbors immediately adjacent of their intent to keep bees.
B. Number of Animals Allowed. Up to four (4) domestic animals, excluding birds and fish, are
permitted in any dwelling unit, but without a residential dog kennel license not more than two (2)
may be dogs. Up to three (3) dogs are allowed with a residential dog kennel license. Dog
enclosures may be located only in a rear yard in all zoning districts.
C. Animals for Research. Animals for research may be kept in appropriate places by
conditional use permit.
D. Wild Animals. Wild animals are not permitted in any district.
Subd. 7 Site Grading.
A. Erosion Prevention. Earth surfaces shall be planted or stabilized to prevent erosion.
B. Drainage onto Neighboring Property. Finished slopes and grades shall not cause adverse
drainage effects on adjoining properties.
216591v2
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
publication according to law.
PASSED and ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2025, by the City Council of the
City of Arden Hills, Minnesota.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
By ________________________________
David Grant, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Julie Hanson, City Clerk
Published in the Pioneer Press on _________________, 2025.
216591v2
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-_____
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4,
ANIMALS AND PETS, SECTION 410; AND CHAPTER 13,
ZONING CODE, SECTION 1325 OF THE ARDEN HILLS CITY CODE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 4 – Animals and Pets, Section 410 – Licenses, Subsection 410.01,
Licenses Required, is hereby amended as follows:
410.00 - Licenses
410.01 License Required.
The following animal licenses shall be required within the City of Arden Hills.
Subd. 1 Dog/Cat Licenses. All dogs and cats within the City of Arden Hills, except as
hereinafter provided, shall be licensed.
A. Application. Within thirty (30) days after acquiring possession of a dog or cat which has
not been licensed by the City of Arden Hills, the owner of the dog or cat shall make application
for a dog or cat license. The application shall be on forms provided by the City of Arden Hills.
B. Vaccination. It shall be unlawful for any dog or cat owner to keep or maintain any dog
or cat older than six (6) months of age unless it shall have been vaccinated with an anti-rabies
vaccine certified to be effective by a licensed veterinarian. No license renewal shall be issued
except upon compliance with this section.
C. License Fee. The license fee for each dog or cat must be submitted with the
application. The fee will be established by City Council Resolution.
D. Duration of License. A license shall be issued for a period of time not to exceed the
expiration date of the rabies vaccination. No dog or cat license shall be renewed without proof
of vaccination.
E. Issuance of License. Upon completion of the application form, receipt of the license fee
and receipt of the proof of vaccination, the City Administrator shall cause a dog or cat license to
be issued to the applicant for a particular dog or cat.
216591v2
F. Receipt and Tags. The City of Arden Hills shall issue a license fee receipt to the
applicant along with a metallic dog or cat license tag. The applicant shall permanently affix the
tag by a metal fastening device to the collar of the licensed animal in a manner that allows the
tag to be easily observed. If a tag is lost, a duplicate may be issued by the City of Arden Hills
upon presentation of a receipt showing payment of the initial license fee and upon payment of an
additional fee for each duplicate tag.
G. Change of Address. An applicant who has obtained a dog or cat license shall notify the
City of the applicant's address changes within the corporate limits of the City within ten (10)
days of any address change.
H. Counterfeit Tags. No person shall counterfeit or attempt to counterfeit dog or cat license
tags.
I. Transfer of Tags. No person shall transfer a dog or cat tag from one dog or cat to another.
J. Exceptions. The following dogs and cats are not required to be licensed:
1. Dogs and cats less than six (6) months of age.
2. Dogs and cats whose owners are temporary visitors within the City for thirty (30)
days or less.
3. Dogs and cats which are brought into the City for appearance in an animal show.
4. Dogs being used by law enforcement officers
Subd. 2 Wild Animal Licenses.
A. General Prohibition. All wild animals except the following are prohibited within the
City of Arden Hills:
1. Wild animals brought into the City for entertainment, exhibition or show purposes
by persons keeping wild animals for a public zoo.
2. Wild animals which are part of a permanent display sponsored by a bona fide
research institution, a veterinary hospital, public zoo or other institution.
3. Nonpoisonous snakes, birds kept indoors, hamsters, mice, rabbits, gerbils, white rats,
guinea pigs, chinchillas, or lizards and similar small animals capable of being kept in cages
continuously.
4. Monkeys trained as personal helpers and kept by handicapped persons.
5. Raptors owned by licensed Falconers holding valid state and federal Falconry
permits so long as the conditions of such permits are being satisfied.
6. Wild animals and birds that are part of the natural habitat and environment.
B. License Application. Applications for a Wild Animal License shall be submitted on
forms provided by the City along with a Certificate of Insurance which indicates that applicant
has $200,000 of liability coverage on the Wild Animal and which includes an endorsement
indicating that the liability coverage will not be cancelled without twenty (20) days written
notice to the City of Arden Hills.
C. Investigation. The Animal Control Officer shall review the application, conduct such
investigation as the Animal Control Officer deems necessary, and shall prepare a written
recommendation regarding the issuance of a Wild Animal License. The City Administrator shall
within ten (10) days mail a notice to all property owners within 350 feet of the site on which the
Wild Animal will be kept. The notice shall indicate that the City has received an application for
a Wild Animal License and shall request comments from such property owners.
D. Review. The City Council shall review the application, the Animal Control Officer's
recommendations, and the comments from property owners. The City Council may issue a Wild
216591v2
Animal License if it determines that the application is in compliance with the City's regulations.
The City Council may attach any reasonable conditions to the issuance of a license as it
determines to be necessary in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Arden Hills
residents.
E. Existing Wild Animals. Anyone keeping a Wild Animal in Arden Hills at the time of the
adoption of this regulation shall have ninety (90) days in which to comply with the provisions of
this regulation or otherwise remove the Wild Animal from the City. Extensions beyond ninety
(90) days may be granted by the City Council for good cause but in no case shall such extension
permanently exempt a person from the requirements of this regulation.
F. Wild Animal Restrictions.
1. Confinement. No person owning or harboring or having the care or custody of a
wild animal shall suffer or permit such animal to go unconfined on the premises of such
person. A wild animal is "unconfined" as the term is used in this section if such animal is not
securely confined indoors or confined in a secure enclosure suitably sized for the wild animal is
confined therein. An "enclosure" is secure within the meaning of this section if it is constructed
of heave gauge mesh steel, or other suitable material; consists of a top and sides, with the bottom
of such sides fastened along their perimeter to a slab floor of concrete or other suitable material;
where no slab floor is provided, the sides must be embedded into the ground no less than one
foot; all access points of the enclosure must be locked when the animal is confined therein. The
Animal control officer may seize a wild animal that has been declared dangerous that is
unconfined.
2. Muzzling. No person owning or harboring, or having the care of a wild animal shall
suffer or permit such animal to go beyond the premises of such person unless such animal is
securely muzzled and restrained with a chain not exceeding three (3) feet in length, and having a
tensile strength sufficient to restrain the animal. Wild animals which are actively participating in
recognized local, regional or national trials, training or other such sponsored competition, need
not to be muzzled while being transported to or from during such competitions.
3. Summary Destruction. Any person harboring or owning a wild animal that is found
to be in violation of the City's Animal Control Regulations may be summarily destroyed.
Subd. 3 Chickens License. All chickens within the City of Arden Hills, except as hereinafter
provided, shall be licensed.
A. Application. Within thirty (30) days after acquiring possession of a chicken which has
not been licensed by the City of Arden Hills, the owner of the chicken(s) shall make application
for a chickens license. The application shall be on forms provided by the City of Arden Hills. If
the Applicant is a renter, the Property Owner signature shall be required on the license
application form.
B. Neighbor Consent. The Applicant shall be responsible for providing notification to the
neighbors immediately adjacent to the property of their intent to keep chickens. This notification
will be distributed in the format provided by the City. Neighbor written responses will be
returned to the City. Neighbor consent from all of the immediately adjacent properties is
required for issuance of the license. The failure of a neighboring Property Owner to respond
does not constitute consent.
C. License Fee. The license fee must be submitted with the application. The fee will be
established by City Council Resolution.
216591v2
D. Duration of License. A two year license shall be issued.
E. Issuance of License. Upon completion of the application form and receipt of the license
fee, the City Administrator shall cause a chicken license to be issued to the applicant subject to:
(1) Dead chickens must be disposed of according to the Minnesota Board of Animal
Health rules which require chicken carcasses to be disposed of as soon as possible
after death, usually within forty-eight (48) to seventy-two (72) hours. Legal forms
of chicken carcass disposal include burial, off-site incineration or rendering, or
composting.
(2) Prior to issuance of a license, the prospective annual license holder certifies as part
of the application review that they have read “Keeping of Chickens Informational
Handout.”
F. The following are prohibited within the City of Arden Hills for chickens:
(1) Roosters are prohibited.
(2) No breeding of chickens is allowed.
(3) Slaughtering of chickens on the property is prohibited.
SECTION 2. Chapter 13 – Zoning Code, Section 1325 – General Regulations,
Subsection 1325.07, Performance Standards, is hereby amended as follows:
1325.00 – General Regulations
1325.07 Performance Standards.
Subd. 1 Maintenance.
A. Health and Safety. In all districts, all buildings and structures, including fences and
required landscaping, shall be maintained so as not to be unsightly or present harmful health or
safety conditions.
B. Snow Removal. In all districts, it shall be the responsibility of the residential and/or
business land owner to insure proper snow removal from the sidewalks within twenty-four (24)
hours after the last accumulation of two (2) inches or more.
Subd. 2 Refuse.
A. Containment. In all districts, any waste materials, debris, refuse or garbage shall be
stored and kept in accordance with the requirements of Section 660.05 of the City Municipal
Code, as the same may be amended from time to time.
B. Noxious Weeds and Objectionable Plant Growth. Land shall be kept free of noxious
weeds and unsightly or objectionable plant growth of eight (8) inches or more in height.
C. Home Interiors. Home interiors shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition free of
any accumulation of rubbish and garbage in compliance with State Health Regulations.
D. Compliance Deadline. Existing uses shall comply with these provisions within thirty
(30) days following the effective date of this Code.
Subd. 3 Exterior Storage.
A. Residential Districts.
216591v2
1. Materials and Equipment. All materials and equipment shall be stored within a
building or be fully screened so as not to be visible from adjoining lots, except for the following:
Laundry drying and recreational equipment, construction and landscaping materials currently
(within a period of twelve (12) months) being used on the premises; agricultural materials and
equipment if these are used or intended for use on the premises; off-street parking of passenger
cars and pickup trucks.
2. Boats, Trailers and Utility Vehicles. Exterior storage of boats, trailers and utility
vehicles is not permitted in any residential district, except as regulated in Section 1325.12.
B. Business and Industrial Districts.
1. Screening. All exterior storage in the business and industrial districts shall be
screened from public view, except materials and equipment currently being used for on-site
construction.
2. Parking. Vehicles, including but not limited to cars, trucks, buses and RV's parked
and/or stored in public view for more than a period of seven (7) days shall be prohibited unless
allowed by the permitted business or industrial use, except as regulated in Section 1325.12.
Subd. 4 Electrical and Radiation Emissions. No activities shall be permitted that emit
dangerous radioactivity beyond an enclosed area. There shall be no electrical disturbance
adversely affecting the operation at any point of any equipment other than that of the creator of
such disturbances.
Subd. 5 Environmental Pollution. Emission or creation of noise, odors, vibrations, glare,
dust, smoke, heat and toxic or noxious fumes shall conform to such standards as are from time to
time established by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. None of these shall be at a level
that is objectionable to surrounding properties.
Subd. 6 Animals.
A. Location for Buildings Housing Farm Animals. Any building in which farm animals are
kept shall be located a distance of two hundred (200) feet or more from any lot line. Any
open structure in which farm animals are kept shall be a distance of four hundred (400)
feet or more from any lot line, except for chicken coops and bee hives in the R-1, R-2, and
R-3 Districts provided the following requirements are met:
Chicken Coops
(1) No more than six (6) hens shall be housed or kept on any one (1) residential lot
with the issuance of a City license.
(2) A separate coop is required to house the chickens. Coops must be constructed and
maintained to meet the following minimum
a. A coop with a minimum of 20 square feet and no larger than 25 square feet is
permitted as an accessory structure subject to Section 1325.01. Subd. 4 A. for
Size.
b. Exemption to Ordinance - A residential property with a single car detached
garage and an accessory structure/shed will be allowed a third accessory
structure for keeping chickens. The combined square footage of all three
detached structures may not exceed 728 square feet.
c. Located in the rear yard. Chicken Coop, pen, and optional exercise yard are not
permitted in the front or side yard.
d. Setbacks are subject to applicable accessory structure setbacks of the underlying
zoning district. In no instance shall the coop be located in front of the rear
building line of the principal structure.
216591v2
e. The outer limit of the coop including pen shall in no instance be located less than
10 feet from the property line and shall be located closer to the principal
dwelling upon the property that is issued a license than any other residential
dwelling on an abutting property.
f. Climate control – adequate ventilation and/or insulation and an operable
lightbulb to maintain the coop temperature. Prior to issuance of an annual
license, the prospective annual license holder must provide a plan for
maintaining an adequate temperature in the coop for safety of the fowl or
poultry. The plan must address both extreme winter and summer
temperature conditions.
g. Rodent proof – coop construction, all grain and food, and materials must
be adequate to prevent access by rodents.
h. Coops shall be constructed and maintained in a workmanlike manner.
i. Chickens must not be housed in a residential house or an attached or detached
garage.
(3) A pen is required. Pen must be constructed and maintained to meet the following
minimum standard:
a. The pen shall be located adjacent to the coop and fenced with adequate coverage
to keep hens in and predators out of a material that can be easily raked or
regularly replaced to reduce odor and flies.
b. Minimum size per bird shall be 10 square feet of floor space
(4) (4) All premises on which hens are kept or maintained shall be kept clean from filth,
garbage, and any substances which attract rodents. The coop and its surrounding
must be cleaned frequently enough to control odor. Manure shall not be allowed to
accumulate in a way that causes an unsanitary condition or causes odors detectible
on another property. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the
officer removing chickens from the premises or revoking a chicken license.
(5) Hens, coop, pen, and exercise yard shall not be kept in such a manner as to
constitute a nuisance to the occupants of adjacent property.
(6) Any violation of the above conditions, (i.e. roaming chickens, uncontrolled
odor), if not remedied within 10 days, may result in revocation of the
homeowner’s license.
(7) If the license holder does not renew their chicken license and the coop was
licensed as an allowed third accessory structure for chickens, the coop/third
structure cannot be repurposed for a storage structure and the homeowner
shall have 60 days to remove the coop, and pen, in its entirety. If the
homeowner/license holder fails to comply, the City may enter upon the
subject property, remove the coop and pen from the homeowner’s property,
and charge the amount back to the homeowner as an assessment on the
property tax roll. If the coop was licensed as an allowed second accessory
structure, and the property complies with the accessory structure
requirements, the structure may be repurposed for a storage structure.
Bee Hives
(1) The number of hives on residential lots is not to exceed:
i. 1 acre or larger: 8
ii. 1 acre to 3/4 acre: 6
216591v2
iii. 3/4 acre to 1/2 acre: 4
iv. 1/2 acre or less: 2
(2) The bee hive(s) may not be located in the front yard or a side yard abutting a street.
(3) Bee hive(s) may be no closer than twenty-five (25) feet to an occupied building on
another lot and/or any public trail or walkway.
(4) The hives shall be located at least ten (10) feet from side and rear property lines.
(5) Any property owner who keeps bees shall provide and maintain a nearby, designated
water source.
(6) Prior to installation of the bee hive(s), the property owner shall provide written notice to
the neighbors immediately adjacent of their intent to keep bees.
B. Number of Animals Allowed. Up to four (4) domestic animals, excluding birds and fish, are
permitted in any dwelling unit, but without a residential dog kennel license not more than two (2)
may be dogs. Up to three (3) dogs are allowed with a residential dog kennel license. Dog
enclosures may be located only in a rear yard in all zoning districts.
C. Animals for Research. Animals for research may be kept in appropriate places by
conditional use permit.
D. Wild Animals. Wild animals are not permitted in any district.
Subd. 7 Site Grading.
A. Erosion Prevention. Earth surfaces shall be planted or stabilized to prevent erosion.
B. Drainage onto Neighboring Property. Finished slopes and grades shall not cause adverse
drainage effects on adjoining properties.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
publication according to law.
PASSED and ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2025, by the City Council of the
City of Arden Hills, Minnesota.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
By ________________________________
David Grant, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Julie Hanson, City Clerk
Published in the Pioneer Press on _________________, 2025.
chickenrunrescue.org Page 1 9/14/15
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR
MUNICIPAL
REGULATION
OF
URBAN
CHICKENS
For
distribution
to
public
and
permit
applicants
SUMMARY
OF
RECOMMENDATIONS
(page
2)
BASIC
CHICKEN
CARE
INSTRUCTIONS
(page
3-‐9)
REQUIREMENTS
FOR
KEEPING
CHICKENS
(page
10)
Mary
Britton
Clouse
Chicken
Run
Rescue
2014
Endorsed
by
Chicken Run Rescue
Eastern Shore Sanctuary and Education Center
Farm Sanctuary
The Humane Society of the United States
Sunnyskies Bird and Animal Sanctuary
United Poultry Concerns
Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary
Used
by
Minneapolis, MN
St. Paul, MN
Cottage Grove, MN
Stillwater, MN
Falcon Heights, MN
chickenrunrescue.org Page 2 9/14/15
OVERVIEW
OF
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Do
not
permit
If
permitted:
• Permit
as
pets
only
• Do
NOT
prohibit
roosters
• Prohibit
slaughter,
breeding,
sale
or
barter
• Limit
number
of
birds
to
5
or
fewer
• Require
100%
consent
of
neighbors
• WRITTEN
guidelines
for
care
• Cap
number
of
permits
• Allot
for
additional
administrative
staff
and
resources
• Allot
for
enforcement
and
capture
training
chickenrunrescue.org Page 3 9/14/15
BASIC
CHICKEN
CARE
INSTRUCTIONS
CONSIDERATIONS
BEFORE
ACQUIRING
A
CHICKEN
lifespan
-‐
Chickens
can
live
as
long
as
a
dog
or
cat-‐
up
to
14
years
or
longer.
-‐
Egg
laying
for
a
hen
generally
starts
at
6
months
old,
peaks
at
18
months
and
declines
with
development
of
reproductive
disease.
cost
-‐
Start
Up
costs
for
coop,
maintenance,
tools,
cleaning,
equipment,
heating
/
cooling
appliances,
dishes,
nets,
food
storage,
scale,
fencing,
security
locks,
lighting,
motion
detectors,
monitors,
cameras,
permit
application
($2-‐3,000)
-‐
Annual
supplies
per
bird
for
food,
bedding,
nutritional
supplements,
hygiene
supplies,
permit
fee,
utilities
($300)
-‐
Vet
care
per
bird
per
service
(office
exam
$66,
fecal
test
$28,
plus
other
services
as
needed
for
illness
or
injury).
Are
you
able
to
provide
the
birds
with
proper
veterinary
care
needed?
time
-‐
Average
1
hour
per
bird
per
day
minimum
for
cleaning,
parasite
control,
grooming,
physical
exam,
travel
time
to
purchase
supplies,
construction,
repair,
medication,
feeding,
supervise
free
time
out
of
pen.
-‐
Chickens
need
to
be
tended
to
twice
daily.
Will
you
have
a
person
ready
to
substitute
for
you
when
you
have
reason
to
be
absent?
space
At
least
a
6’W
x
12’L
x
6’H
space
in
a
yard
is
needed
for
a
coop
and
pen
for
4
birds
in
addition
to
a
larger
fenced
area
for
regular
exercise.
location
Coop
and
pen
should
be
located
in
an
area
that
provides
shade,
direct
sunlight,
good
drainage
and
protection
from
prevailing
winds
and
will
not
present
a
problem
to
neighbors.
uninvited
guests
Chickens
will
attract
bird
mites
and
lice,
mice,
yard
birds,
squirrels,
raccoons,
dogs,
coyotes,
fox,
mink,
opossum,
rats,
owls,
bobcats,
hawks,
snakes,
weasels,
ferrets,
fisher,
marten
and
humans.
ACQUIRING
A
CHICKEN
ADOPTION
OR
PURCHASE/BREEDING?
The
recent
interest
in
having
chickens
has
overwhelmed
animal
rescue
organizations
with
inquiries
from
people
wanting
to
give
up
chickens
who
are
no
longer
wanted.
Like
all
other
animals
surrendered
to
shelters,
rescue
organizations
cannot
help
them
all.
There
are
never
enough
homes
for
displaced
animals
so
adoption
of
birds
who
need
homes
is
always
the
kindest
choice
instead
of
purchase
from
a
breeder
or
hatchery.
adoption-‐
By
adopting
from
a
rescue
organization
or
a
private
individual,
you
can
know
what
to
expect
with
regard
to
the
bird’s
health,
sex,
behavior
and
personality.
Reputable
rescue
organizations
can
provide
advice
on
selecting
the
right
bird,
care
information
and
generally
have
a
generous
return
policy
to
insure
that
bird
will
be
happy,
compatible
and
well
cared
for.
purchase/breeding-‐
The
identification
of
the
sex
of
chicks
by
feed
stores,
breeders
and
hatcheries
is
often
wrong
and
not
apparent
until
the
bird
is
6
months
old.
50%
of
the
chicks
hatched
are
roosters
who
are
killed
or
otherwise
discarded
of
as
waste.
Newborn
chicks
shipped
through
the
postal
service
are
deprived
of
their
mothers,
warmth
and
food.
The
younger
the
bird
the
more
fragile
and
difficult
they
are
to
care
for.
chickenrunrescue.org Page 4 9/14/15
HEALTHY
BIRD
CHECKLIST
Eyes:
clear,
clean,
wide
open,
alert
Face
/
comb
/
wattle:
clean,
soft,
blemish
free,
healthy
deep
red
indicating
good
blood
supply,
(some
faces
are
not
red)
Posture:
head
erect,
good
balance,
stand
or
perch
on
both
feet
on
extended
legs,
good
grip
on
perch,
facing
activity
Odor:
none
or
slightly
fermented
hay
Beak
/
nostrils:
clean,
uniform,
shiny
and
solid
Legs
/
feet:
clean,
shiny,
uniform
scales
and
nails,
foot
bottom
soft
and
blemish
free,
legs
and
toes
straight
and
functional
Feathers;
clean,
bright,
shiny,
smooth
or
fluffy,
free
of
mites
or
lice
Wings:
held
close
to
body,
symmetrical,
smooth
movement
in
joints
when
flexed,
flight
feathers
intact
Skin:
clean,
soft,
pale
pink
and
translucent
(some
breeds
have
bare
red
patches
at
shoulders
and
keel),
free
of
mites
or
lice
Droppings:
70%
odorless
green/
white,
firm,
30%
stinky
brown
pasty
(cecal),
watery
if
stressed
Keel
(sternum):
Straight,
good
muscle
mass
on
either
side,
lump
free
Crop
(on
bird’s
right
side
of
lower
neck):
full,
contents
of
consumed
food
easily
palpated
Vent:
petite,
clean,
moist,
soft,
pliant
Respiration:
12-‐37
per
min.,
inspiration
louder
and
shorter
than
expiration,
minimal
chest
movement,
closed
beak
NUMBER
OF
BIRDS
Calculating
available
space,
time,
and
cost
(see
above)
will
dictate
how
many
birds
can
be
properly
cared
for:
coop:
4
sq.
feet
of
floor
space
minimum
per
bird
for
the
interior
(an
area
2
ft.
x
2
ft.
per
bird)
pen:
10
sq.
ft
of
floor
space
minimum
per
bird
(an
area
3
ft.
x
3.3
ft
per
bird)
range/
exercise
yard:
174
sq.
ft
per
bird
(an
area
about
10
ft.
x
17
ft
per
bird)
A
single
chicken
is
a
sad
chicken.
Plan
to
have
at
least
2-‐
they
are
flock
animals
and
need
the
companionship
of
other
chickens.
Generally,
3-‐5
compatible
chickens
can
be
well
maintained
in
a
typical
city
environment.
Individual
bird’s
sex,
age
and
temperament
can
affect
compatibility.
Over
crowding
chickens
is
the
most
common
mistake.
Hens
should
outnumber
roosters.
Sometimes
single
birds
can
thrive
with
a
human
friend
if
they
have
special
needs.
Roosters,
single
or
in
pairs,
are
very
sociable
and
can
make
terrific
companions
if
handled
gently
and
often.
HANDLING
&
RESTRAINT
Never
handle
a
chicken
by
wings,
feet
or
legs.
Herd
bird
to
corner
using
slow
deliberate
movement.
Fast=
predator,
slow
=
less
threat.
Place
hands
over
top
part
of
wings
(shoulders)
and
hold
securely
but
do
not
squeeze.
Pick
up
and
hold
under
arm
to
keep
wings
in
place.
Support
feet
with
other
hand
if
bird
will
tolerate.
To
restrain
for
transport
or
examination,
drape
a
towel
over
shoulders
cape
style
and
wrap
around
body.
TRANSPORTATION
Consider
travel
time
and
avoid
extreme
weather
conditions.
Heat
exhaustion
can
develop
quickly,
interior
car
temps
can
reach
fatal
point
10
minutes.
Medium
sized
hard
pet
carriers
work
well
for
security,
safety,
stress.
Line
with
a
towel,
shredded
paper
or
straw.
Food
is
a
good
stress
reducer.
Offer
wet
food
like
greens
or
cucumber
for
long
trips.
chickenrunrescue.org Page 5 9/14/15
ARRIVAL
If
other
birds
are
already
present,
a
2
week
quarantine
in
a
separate
area
is
recommended
to
watch
for
signs
of
illness
and
parasites.
Avoid
noisy,
high
traffic
areas
and
allow
the
bird
to
acclimate
before
introducing
to
other
birds,
animals
and
family.
PROVIDING
A
GOOD
HOME
NATURAL
HISTORY
It
is
important
to
understand
how
chickens
live
in
the
wild
and
to
provide
them
with
an
environment
that
meets
those
instinctive
physical
and
psychological
needs
as
closely
as
possible.
Chickens
are
all
descended
from
Tropical
Jungle
Fowl
are
adapted
to
living
in
a
natural
habitat
that
is
spacious,
richly
vegetated,
diverse
and
warm.
This
presents
a
particular
challenge
in
a
small
urban
setting
in
a
cold
climate
like
Minnesota.
Flocks
have
a
highly
developed
social
structure
and
depend
on
each
for
companionship
and
security.
Naturalists
have
observed
that
they
can
recognize
and
remember
180
other
individual
flock
members.
They
are
ground
dwelling
birds.
Most
are
capable
of
low
flight
in
short
distances,
smaller
birds
can
fly
higher
and
farther.
In
the
wild
they
roost
in
trees
at
dusk
before
they
sleep
or
to
escape
predators.
They
hide
their
nests
in
cavities
in
the
ground.
The
majority
of
their
waking
hours
are
spent
active,
wide
ranging,
grazing,
foraging
for
food-‐
plants,
bugs
and
occasionally
small
rodents.
In
their
natural
state.
They
typically
travel
1/2
mile
from
their
roost
each
day.
In
the
wild,
they
are
never
over
crowded-‐
if
the
population
becomes
to
dense,
members
will
break
off
into
subgroups
and
spread
out.
They
move
on
from
one
area
to
another
which
allows
food
sources
to
regenerate
and
their
waste
is
not
concentrated
in
one
place
and
it
can
decompose
without
health
risk
to
the
flock.
Roosters
alert
the
flock
to
danger,
find
food
and
call
the
hens
to
it
and
stand
guard
as
they
eat.
They
select
and
build
nests
and
will
even
participate
in
caring
for
the
young.
They
also
act
as
peace
keepers
to
intervene
in
disputes
that
can
develop
between
flock
members.
Roosters
will
start
to
crow
and
display
courting
behaviors
at
about
6
months
of
age.
It
is
essential
to
gently
handle
a
rooster
on
a
daily
basis
to
establish
that
you
are
the
flock
leader
(Alpha)
and
maintain
a
well
socialized
companion.
The
hens
spend
their
time
scratching
for
food,
dust
bathing,
preening,
playing
and
napping.
Hens
begin
to
lay
eggs
at
about
6
months
of
age.
Hen
in
the
wild
produce
only
a
few
clutches
of
eggs
a
year
for
the
sole
purpose
of
reproduction.
Domesticated
hens
have
been
bred
to
lay
one
egg
a
day
but
by
18
month
of
age,
egg
laying
frequency
generally
diminishes
and
many
adult
or
senior
hens
stop
laying
altogether.
Chickens
are
sociable,
cheerful
and
intelligent
creatures
who
can
form
lifelong
bonds
with
each
other
and
other
species
including
humans,
dogs
and
cats.
Because
of
their
keen
intelligence
and
instinctive
physical
activity,
they
need
a
stimulating
environment
that
mimics
as
much
as
possible
the
rich
and
diverse
world
nature
designed
them
to
enjoy.
COOP,
PEN,
RANGE/
EXERCISE
YARD
“Housing
and
infrastructure.
The
primary
purpose
of
poultry
housing
is
to
protect
flocks
against
adverse
weather
and
predators
(coyote,
fox,
stray
dogs,
raccoons
and
raptors).
Weather
is
of
critical
concern
in
the
Upper
Midwest,
where
summers
can
be
extremely
hot
and
winters
bitterly
cold.
Housing
must
provide
shade
from
sun
and
cover
from
rain.
It
must
be
able
to
withstand
high
winds
and
snow
loads
if
it
is
to
be
used
for
year-‐round
operation.
These
basic
housing
considerations
apply
to
all
poultry”
chickenrunrescue.org Page 6 9/14/15
-‐”Poultry
Your
Way:
A
Guide
to
Management
Alternatives
for
the
Upper
Midwest”,
Minnesota
Department
of
Agriculture,
2005
COOP:
The
house,
closed
structure
or
enclosed
room
which
provides
shelter
from
cold,
heat,
wind,
rain,
snow
and
predators
for
protected
roosting,
nesting,
feeding
and
watering
space.
Construction
&
Materials
–
Coops
can
be
purchased
ready
made
or
in
kits,
constructed
within
an
existing
structure
or
built
from
scratch.
Local
building
codes
should
be
followed
to
prevent
damage
from
snow,
wind,
etc.
NOTE:
rabbit
hutches,
plastic
igloos,
dog
houses
and
such
are
not
appropriate
structures.
Required
features:
size:
4
sq.
feet
of
floor
space
minimum
is
required
per
bird
for
the
interior
(an
area
2
ft.
x
2
ft.
per
bird).
So
4
birds
will
need
a
coop
with
at
least
4
feet
x
4
feet
inside
floor
space
not
including
nest
boxes.
Outside
dimensions
should
be
about
5
feet
by
5
feet
x
6
ft.
high.
Overcrowding
is
the
most
common
cause
of
behavior
problems,
injury
and
disease.
Coop
should
be
high
enough
for
a
human
to
stand
up
comfortably
for
cleaning,
maintenance
and
egg
collection.
It
also
allows
for
additional
roosting.
Temperament
and
social
structures
should
be
taken
into
account,
and
partitions
should
be
available
for
birds
who
are
sick,
injured
or
lower
in
the
pecking
order.
access
to
electricity
is
required
in
free
standing
structures.
floor
–
The
floor
should
not
collect
and
hold
moisture,
be
easy
to
clean,
retain
heat
in
cold
weather
and
exclude
rodents/predators.
A
dirt
floor
draws
heat
away
and
is
not
easy
to
clean
or
rodents/predators
proof.
A
wood
floor
is
adequate
provided
it
is
at
least
a
foot
off
the
ground,
insulated
and
sealed
properly
but
is
difficult
to
sanitize
because
it
is
porous.
a
concrete
floor
is
ideal
since
it
discourages
rodents/predators
and
ids
easy
to
sanitize.
Regardless
of
the
floor
type,
bedding
strewn
on
the
surface
is
needed
is
to
absorb
moist
fecal
matter
and
facilitate
cleaning.
Leaves
or
wood
shavings
work
best
and
can
be
composted
or
easily
bagged
and
disposed
of
as
solid
waste.
walls-‐
Materials
that
are
resistant
to
moisture
and
mold
and
easily
cleaned
are
best.
Chemically
treated
materials
should
be
nontoxic.
A
good
compound
with
anti
fungal
agents
is
good
for
humid
areas.
Clear
varnish
is
also
good.
Everything
should
be
treated
or
painted
before
it
is
assembled.
Wooden
structures
should
be
draft
free
and
built
with
double
walls
that
have
at
least
1
1/2
inch
insulated
layer
between
them.
roof:
The
coop
roof
should
be
made
of
a
material
that
will
not
collect
and
hold
heat
and
should
be
built
with
double
walls
that
have
at
least
1
1/2
inch
insulated
layer
between
them.
The
roof
surfaced
should
be
covered
with
an
insulating
tar
paper
to
protect
from
heavy
rains.
The
roof
should
be
slightly
inclined,
to
allow
water
to
run
off
and
if
it
overhangs
at
the
front
wall
it
will
protect
from
downpours.
A
few
small
openings
along
the
eaves
allow
moisture
to
escape
and
provide
fresh
air.
doors:
One
human-‐size
door
is
needed
for
daily
access.
Doors
for
chickens
should
be
just
large
enough
for
the
largest
bird
and
can
be
positioned
anywhere
from
ground
level
to
about
2
feet
high
with
a
stable
ramp
with
cleats.
Chickens
are
ground
dwellers,
not
parrots-‐small
doors
at
heights
greater
than
3
feet
with
flimsy,
unstable
ladders
are
not
appropriate.
Doors
must
be
able
to
be
secured
against
predators
at
night.
windows:
Chickens
love
windows
and
need
natural
light.
Double
glaze
for
warmth.
Cover
with
1/2”
metal
screen
so
they
can
be
opened
for
ventilation
in
hot
weather.
Allow
one
square
foot
of
window
for
each
10
square
foot
of
floor
space.
roosts:
Lumber
or
branches
can
be
used.
They
should
be
strong
enough
and
mounted
securely
enough
to
hold
all
birds.
The
surface
should
be
rough
for
good
grip
with
no
splinters
or
sharp
edges.
For
medium
sized
birds,
2”
or
4
“
flat
or
1
1/2”
diameter
is
best
for
foot
comfort.
The
longer
roost
the
better
to
prevent
competition.
They
should
be
set
18”
from
wall,
2
-‐3
feet
off
the
floor.
If
mounted
higher,
rung
steps
are
needed
spaced
8-‐12
inches
apart.
The
addition
of
a
dropping
board
underneath
and
elevated
roost
will
collect
droppings
and
keep
floor
space
below
clean
and
inhabitable.
climate:
Shelters
should
be
kept
at
a
comfortable
temperature
for
the
animals.
“Minimum
Temperature
55°(f)
,
maximum
temperature
70°(F)”
chickenrunrescue.org Page 7 9/14/15
-‐”Poultry
Your
Way:
A
Guide
to
Management
Alternatives
for
the
Upper
Midwest”,
Minnesota
Department
of
Agriculture,
2005
The
coop
should
be
heated
to
maintain
a
temperature
above
32
degrees
during
the
coldest
part
of
the
winter
and
cooled
below
85
in
the
hottest
part
of
the
summer.
Below
32
degrees
birds
are
uncomfortable
and
cannot
maintain
body
temperature.
Below
15
degrees
frostbite
begins,
and
hypothermia
increases.
Oil
or
water
filled
safety
heaters
(i.e.
brands
Pelonis,
DeLonghi,
Honeywell)
are
completely
closed
and
sealed
systems
that
run
on
electricity.
The
oil
is
heated
from
within
and
the
heat
is
radiant
so
there
are
no
exposed
heating
elements
that
create
dangerous
problems
even
if
they
tip
over.
Heat
lamps
should
only
be
used
with
extreme
caution
and
be
firmly
attached
at
least
3
feet
from
animals
and
far
from
any
flammable
item,
especially
dry
straw
or
bedding.
Smoke
alarms
are
highly
recommended.
Extra
bedding
should
be
available
to
keep
animals
warm
and
comfortable
in
cold
seasons.
Between
75
and
85
degrees,
panting
and
dehydration
begin,
above
85
heat
stress
and
danger
of
heat
prostration
increases.
ventilation-‐
Doors,
windows
and
vents
near
the
ceiling
supply
oxygen,
remove
heat
from
breathing,
remove
moisture
from
breath
and
droppings,
harmful
gasses
and
dust
particles,
and
dilute
disease
causing
airborne
organisms.
Fans
should
be
provided
for
hottest
weather.
light:
Natural
light
from
windows
and/or
skylights
is
required.
Can
be
supplemented
with
full
spectrum
incandescent
light
to
follow
normal
seasonal
light
cycles
and
for
cleaning
and
maintenance.
The
minimum
light
intensity
you
should
provide
should
be
enough
to
clearly
see
the
hens
feed
when
standing
over
the
feeder.
feeders:
Food
receptacles
should
be
made
of
non-‐corrosive
material
that
is
easily
cleaned
minimizes
spillage,
prevents
contamination
with
droppings
and
keeps
food
dry.
The
containers
should
be
large
enough
for
all
the
birds
to
comfortably
eat
at
once
or
numerous
enough
to
prevent
competition
or
intimidation.
Large
heavy
rubber
feed
buckets
work
nicely.
Hanging
dishes
or
feeders
work
as
well
and
should
be
hung
at
about
the
level
of
the
bird’s
back.
If
dishes
are
outside
the
coop,
they
should
be
set
under
an
overhang
to
keep
them
dry
when
it
rains.
waterers:
Water
receptacles
should
be
made
of
non-‐corrosive
material
that
can
be
cleaned
and
disinfected
with
a
solution
of
chlorine
bleach,
prevent
contamination
with
droppings
and
is
spill
and
leak
proof.
The
containers
should
be
large
enough
for
all
the
birds
to
comfortably
drink
at
once
and
hold
enough
water
for
all
birds
for
an
entire
day.
They
should
be
slightly
positioned
higher
than
the
feeder
or
far
enough
away
to
prevent
contamination
with
food.
nestboxes-‐
One
nest
box
for
every
3
hens.
A
12”W
x
12”D
x
14”H
is
most
versatile.
Chickens
prefer
wooden
nest
boxes
with
covered
opening
for
privacy
placed
on
or
as
low
to
the
floor
as
possible.
If
set
higher
they
require
a
perch
in
front
of
the
opening.
They
should
be
filled
with
2-‐4
inches
of
straw.
litter
or
grass.
They
prefer
to
nest
in
the
South
East
corner
of
the
structure
whenever
possible.
PEN:
The
fenced
area
surrounding
the
coop
that
provides
secure
access
to
exercise,
sunlight,
earth
and
vegetation
and
is
freely
available
to
the
birds
when
they
are
unsupervised.
It
is
constructed
to
prevent
the
bird’s
escape
and
prevents
entry
by
intruders/predators.
Construction
&
Materials
–
Kennel
pens
can
be
purchased
ready
made
or
in
kits,
or
built
from
scratch.
Local
building
codes
should
be
followed
to
prevent
damage
from
snow,
wind,
etc.
Temperament
and
social
structures
of
flock
should
be
taken
into
account,
and
partitions
should
be
available
for
birds
who
are
sick,
injured
or
lower
in
the
pecking
order.
Required
features:
size:
10
sq.
ft
of
floor
space
minimum
per
bird
(an
area
3
ft.
x
3.3
ft
per
bird)
is
required
so
4
birds
will
need
floor
space
of
at
least
6
feet
x
7
feet.
If
the
coop
is
adjacent
to
the
pen
at
least
a
6
x
12
foot
space
in
a
yard
is
needed.
If
the
coop
is
elevated
2
feet
so
the
chickens
can
use
the
space
underneath,
the
coop
and
pen
can
occupy
some
but
not
all
of
the
same
footprint.
If
most
of
the
pen
is
in
deep
shade
all
of
the
time
it
would
be
conducive
to
unhealthy
bacteria
and
fungal
development.
The
pen
should
be
chickenrunrescue.org Page 8 9/14/15
high
enough
for
you
to
stand
up
comfortably
for
cleaning,
maintenance,
capture
and
also
allows
for
additional
roosting.
substrate-‐
Choose
a
well
drained
area.
Substrate
material
for
the
pen
should
be
clean,
non-‐toxic,
biodegradable,
readily
available,
inexpensive
and
replaceable.
Since
it
will
become
compacted
from
little
feet
and
contaminated
by
concentrated
droppings
and
parasites,
it
will
need
to
be
raked
out
and
replaced
frequently
to
reduce
odor
and
fly
activity.
Play
sand,
leaves,
municipal
wood
chips,
sod
and
hard
wearing
ground
cover
work
well.
metal
fencing
/
predator
control:
The
type
of
fencing
depends
on
what
the
most
likely
predators
are
in
your
area.
Dogs,
rats,
raccoons,
hawks
and
coyotes
are
the
most
prevalent
in
city
neighborhoods,
but
others
include
fox,
mink,
opossum,
bobcats,
snakes,
weasels,
ferrets,
fisher
and
marten.
Its
best
to
build
the
strongest
deterrents
possible.
Chain
link
panels
or
welded
or
woven
fencing
on
a
sturdy
frame
reinforced
at
the
bottom
with
small
mesh
metal
wire
that
prevents
predators
from
tunneling
under
the
fence
will
discourage
most
intruders.
Regular
inspection
is
key
to
security.
gate:
A
gate
is
needed
for
easy
human
access.
cover:
Pen
should
be
covered
to
keep
birds
in
and
predators
out.
The
type
of
covering
needed
will
depend
on
the
type
of
predators.
Covering
part
of
the
pen
with
a
roof
such
as
corrugated
fiberglass
can
provide
shade
and
rain
shelter.
windbreak:
Providing
a
wind
and
snow
break
will
give
the
birds
a
protected
area
to
be
outdoors
even
in
winter.
shade:
Shade
must
be
available
and
can
be
provided
by
vegetation
or
strategically
placed
materials.
dustbath:
Taking
a
dust
bath
is
the
closest
thing
to
heaven
for
a
chicken.
They
derive
pleasure
and
contentment
by
bathing
in
the
sun
and
in
loose
dry
soil
depressions
in
the
dirt
which
cleans
their
feathers
and
rids
them
of
parasites.
Birds
will
usually
dig
their
own
hole
for
dust
baths.
Keep
the
soil
in
the
dust
bath
loose
and
add
play
sand
if
it
is
a
heavy
clay
soil.
Adding
a
little
poultry
dust,
diatomaceous
earth
or
wood
ash
increases
the
effectiveness
of
parasite
control.
Large
heavy
rubber
feed
buckets
filled
with
play
sand
are
a
welcome
addition
to
the
indoor
coop
in
the
winter.
enrichment
furnishings:
There
is
nothing
sadder
than
a
barren
pen
when
compared
to
the
rich
jungle
environment
chickens
evolved
in.
Lots
of
large
branches,
stumps
or
platforms
provide
places
to
go
and
things
to
do
and
look
natural
and
attractive
in
the
pen.
Include
bushes,
boxes
or
other
objects
to
sit
in
or
hide
behind.
Plant
kale
or
other
safe,
edible
vegetation
around
the
outside
of
the
pen
for
forage.
Overcrowding,
boredom
and
barren
pens
are
the
most
common
cause
of
behavior
problems.
RANGE/
EXERCISE
YARD:
The
larger
fenced
area
like
a
backyard
that
provides
ample
space
for
safe
exercise,
forage,
sunlight,
earth
and
vegetation
that
is
regularly
available
to
the
birds
when
supervised.
For
regular
exercise,
174
sq.
ft
per
bird
(an
area
about
10
ft.
x
17
ft
per
bird)
is
required.
4
birds
will
need
access
to
a
40
ft.
x
70
ft.
fenced
area
in
the
yard.
If
there
is
no
access
to
a
larger
Range/
exercise
yard,
16
sq.
ft.
of
floor
space
minimum
per
bird
(an
area
4
ft.
x
4
ft
per
bird)
in
the
pen
must
be
provided.
fencing:
6
ft
privacy
fencing
prevents
or
to
discourage
uninvited
human
and
animal
visitors.
and
promotes
the
safety
and
security
of
the
birds
and
neighbors.
nontoxic
plants:
Chickens
are
inquisitive
and
voracious
eaters
of
vegetation
and
many
ornamental
garden
plants
can
be
toxic
to
them
.
Learn
which
of
your
plants
might
be
harmful
and
fence
them
off
or
better
yet
replace
them
with
safe
and
nutritious
plants.
security:
Chickens
are
susceptible
to
theft,
vandalism
and
predators
and
need
to
be
securely
shut
in
the
coop
at
night.
Security
cameras,
lights
and
baby
monitors
are
also
highly
recommended
deterrents.
PROVIDING
GOOD
CARE
FOOD
/
WATER
Fresh
food
and
water
are
required
daily
and
should
be
available
at
all
times.
Hay
,
grain
and
prepared
feed
should
be
fresh-‐
less
than
one
year
old
and
free
of
mold,
insects
or
other
contaminants.
Daily
intake
should
include:
60
%
nutritionally
balanced
prepared
feed
appropriate
for
age
of
bird,
20%
chickenrunrescue.org Page 9 9/14/15
scratch
(cracked
corn,
oats,
black
oil
sunflower
seeds,
milo,
barley)
20%
fresh
(nutritious
foods
and
table
scraps-‐
Caution
toxic:
onion,
avocados,
chocolate)
Supplements:
oyster
shell
or
limestone
for
calcium,
granite
grit
for
digestion,
mineral
salt
or
ground
salt
licks.
Chickens
drink
1-‐2
cups
of
water
a
day.
Feed
should
be
stored
in
rodent
proof
containers
in
a
cool
dry
area
inaccessible
to
animals.
Stored
feedbags
should
be
rotated
to
ensure
that
feed
is
always
fresh.
Food
that
is
uneaten
or
spilled
should
be
removed
from
animal
enclosures
daily.
SOCIAL
NEEDS
Temperament
and
social
structures
of
animals
should
be
taken
into
account,
and
separate
areas
provided
for
incompatible
birds.
VET
CARE
Locate
a
veterinary
clinic
nearby
that
will
see
chickens
before
one
is
needed.
preferably
one
that
specializes
in
avian
care.
Chickens
are
welcome
in
increasing
numbers
of
city
clinics.
Check
vet
backgrounds
at
http://www.vetmed.state.mn.us/Default.aspx?tabid=803
Have
an
isolation
area
or
roomy
carrier
and
heating
pad
for
sick
or
injured
birds.
Critical/emergency
first
aid
supplies
should
be
kept
including
roll
gauze,
gauze
pads,
tape,
vet
wrap,
blood
stop
powder,
antibiotic
ointment,
antibacterial
scrub
and
solution,
and
bandage
scissors.
SANITATION-‐
Manure
and
wet
bedding
should
be
removed
from
coop
and
animal
feeding
and
lounging
areas
daily.
Thorough,
complete
cleaning
of
walls
and
perches,
removal
of
all
bedding,
and
disinfecting
of
coop
and
furnishings
should
be
done
at
least
once
a
year.
Keeping
shelter
areas
clean
and
dry
will
help
prevent
bacteria,
fungi,
insects,
rodents,
etc.
Rodent
levels
will
be
minimized
by
keeping
all
feed
in
rodent
proof
containers
and
removing
spilled
or
uneaten
food
promptly.
Litter
can
be
double
bagged
and
disposed
of
as
solid
waste
or
composted
but
must
be
done
in
an
area
where
chickens
will
not
scratch
for
at
least
a
year.
Housing
animals
in
spacious,
clean
and
relatively
dust
free
environments
will
keep
them
healthy
and
will
minimize
human
exposure
to
infectious
disease.
Sources:
Poultry Your Way: A Guide to Management Alternatives for the Upper Midwest, Minnesota Department of
Agriculture, 2005
Standards of Care for Chickens, Adapted from Standards of Care for Farmed Animals , The Association Of
Sanctuaries (TAOS). Edited by Chicken Run Rescue. 6/2008, revised 4/7/09
Poultry Housing Considerations for Low Input Small Scale Producers, David Sullenberger, TimeWarrior Farm
Chronicle Special Reports, Revision E, Fall, 2003
Building Chicken Coops: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-224, Gail Damerow, 1999
Chicken Health Handbook, Gail Damerow, 1994
chickenrunrescue.org Page 10 9/14/15
http://www.brittonclouse.com/chickenrunrescue/ Page 1 1/30/10
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