Adopt Resolution #17-03-064 Approving a Private Kennel License for the Property Located at 16825 Nutria St NW; Case of Mayra and Jeffrey Lindquist

Ramsey City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) Article III (Dogs) states that a Private Kennel License shall be required for a dog owner to maintain four (4) or more dogs on a residential parcel.   In January of 2017, the Ramsey Police Department received a complaint/concern about the welfare of dogs being maintained outdoors in kennels twenty-four (24) hours a day at 16825 Nutria St NW (the "Subject Property").  Upon follow up by Ramsey Police Officers, it was found that there were four (4) dogs being maintained on the Subject Property without a Private Kennel License.  Each of the four (4) dogs had access to food, water, and shelter and so the concern about the welfare of the dogs was eliminated.  Subsequently, the City received an application for a Private Kennel License from Mayra and Jeffrey Lindquist (the "Applicant") to maintain four (4) dogs on the Subject Property. 

A notice of public comment period was mailed to property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property.

The Subject Property is approximately 0.87 acres in and is located in the R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) Zoning District.  The surrounding properties are all of similar sizes (0.75 to 1 acre in size) and are also zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing).  Maintaining four (4) or more dogs on a residential parcel is permitted with the issuance of a Private Kennel License.

The Applicant's four (4) dogs split time between an outdoor kennel area (fenced in area adjacent to house and under screened in porch) and inside the home.  Per the Applicant, the dogs are not allowed to roam freely on the Subject Property.  All four (4) dogs are current with their individual dog licenses issued through the Ramsey Police Department (which also implies that they are all current on their rabbies vaccinations). 

As of March 20, 2017, the City has not received any written or verbal comments regarding the request.  Additionally, Planning Staff connected with the Police Department for their input on the Private Kennel License request.  After their inspection and follow up discussions with the Applicant, the Police Department has no objection to the request. 

Alternative 1:  Adopt Resolution #17-03-064 approving a Private Kennel License for the Subject Property.  There have been no complaints regarding nuisance issues, such as barking or dogs running at large.  The dogs appear to have a well maintained kennel area outside the home that is almost fifty (50) feet from the nearest property boundary.  Other than the need to obtain a Private Kennel License, it appears that the dogs are being maintained in compliance with City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) Article III (Dogs).  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2:  Do not adopt Resolution #17-03-064.   If a Private Kennel License were not approved, the Applicant would need to remove one of the dogs from the Subject Property.  It appears that the dogs are provided sufficient care and are not creating a nuisance situation. Thus, Staff does not support this alternative.




 

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

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #17-03-064 approving a Private Kennel License to maintain up to four (4) dogs on the the property generally known as 16825 Nutria St NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #17-03-064 approving a Private Kennel License for Mayra and Jeffrey Lindquist to maintain up to four (4) dogs on the property generally known as 16825 Nutria St NW.