Adopt Resolution #21-050 Approving a Non-Traditional Animal License at 5715 150th Lane NW (Project No. 21-107); Case of Miguel and Breeka Jaramillo

The City has received an application for a Non-Traditional Animal License from Miguel and Breeka Jaramillo (the "Applicants") to maintain one (1) fainter/mini-cross goat on the property located at 5715 150th Lane NW (the "Subject Property").

City Staff attempted to notify property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property, per Anoka County property records, of the request and the public comment period via standard postal service.

Summary
City Staff received a complaint of a goat residing on the premises at 5715 150th Ln NW on August 4, 2020. The complaint was forwarded from the Police Department to the Community Development Department after other violations on site were resolved. Since August, City Staff has been working with the current tenants, Miguel and Breeka Jaramillo, father and daughter, to receive a Non-Traditional Animal License for their fainter/mini-cross goat - Oakley. The application was delayed to allow time for Breeka to return from military deployment before officially applying. Official notices of violation were sent August 4, 2020, October 7, 2020, and January 19, 2021. An administrative citation was sent with the August 4, 2020 notice of violation, and was paid on February 16, 2021.

The Applicants have applied for a Non-Traditional Animal License to maintain one (1) mini-cross/fainter goat on the Subject Property.  Fainting goats are generally equivalent in size to a medium sized dog (e.g. golden retriever or Labrador retriever), and can weigh upwards of 50-60 pounds at maturity. The Applicants currently have one dog as a pet as well. The addition of the one (1) miniature fainting goat would be similar to the Applicants seeking to maintain an additional dog on the Subject Property.

The Applicants have allowed City Staff to inspect the property in which it was noted that they have a small, fenced in enclosure (about three [3] feet in height), consisting of wood, that serves as the miniature fainting goats' primary containment area. Inside the enclosure, there is a small shelter for the goat to provide housing and an area to feed. The structure is approximately six (6) feet tall with hay and other food materials stored inside for the miniature fainting goat to eat from. Another structure is just outside of the enclosure which houses the four (4) chickens on the property. The chicken coop is approximately the same height as the goat's shelter, and is used to shelter the chickens. Both structures meet the setbacks requirements of the Subject Property's zoning district, and the exterior standards for accessory structures, although neither structure has a permit. The Applicants are aware of they will have to apply for a zoning permit for the structures, and has been added as a condition within the draft Non-Traditional Animal License.

The Applicants have stated that the one (1) miniature fainting goat would be a pet, and an emotional support animal that will be both indoor and outdoor animal. Oakley also acts as a support animal for autistic children that the Applicant works with. The Applicants have provided evidence of a petition with over 400 signatures (majority appear to not be Ramsey residents but online support) in support of maintaining the mini-cross fainter goat on the Subject Property, as well as many testimonials from neighbors and friends. They have also stated their intent to speak with neighboring property owners regarding the Non-Traditional Animal License, to get signatures of support. Notices of the request provided two (2) weeks for public comment on the request.  As of the writing of this case, one letter of opposition has been received (see attached).

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #21-050  approving a Non-Traditional Animal License to maintain one (1) mini-cross/fainter goat at 5715 150th Lane NW.  The request does appear reasonable and has the support of various members of the community. Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not approve a Non-Traditional Animal License for 5715 150th Lane NW. Staff does not support this alterative.

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #21-050 approving a Non-Traditional Animal License for Miguel and Breeka Jaramillo to maintain one (1) fainter/mini-cross goat at 5751 150th Lane NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-050 approving a Non-Traditional Animal License for Miguel and Breeka Jaramillo to maintain one (1) fainter/mini-cross goat at 5715 150th Lane NW.