Adopt Resolution #20-116 Approving a Non-Traditional Animal License at 4925 179th Lane NW (Project No. 20-109); Case of Matthew and Sarah Chamberlain

The City has received an application for a Non-Traditional Animal License from Matthew and Sarah Chamberlain (the "Applicant") to maintain two (2) miniature, fainting goats on the property located at 4925 179th 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.

The Applicant has applied for a Non-Traditional Animal License to maintain two (2) miniature fainting goats 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 Applicant has noted that the perimeter of the yard is fenced in with a four (4) foot tall chain link fence.  They also have a smaller, fenced in enclosure (also four [4] feet in height), consisting of welded wire, that will serve as the miniature fainting goats' primary containment area.

The Applicant has stated that there is an existing lean-to shelter on the Subject Property that would provide shelter for the two (2) miniature fainting goats and would also serve as storage space for the animal feed.  It is currently positioned within the required side yard setback for a corner lot and will need to be relocated.  Furthermore, the lean-to will need to be consistent with Zoning Code as it relates to exterior finish (at a minimum, it will need to be painted similar to the home).  The Applicant is aware of these issues and has stated that they will relocate the lean-to in to comply with the setback and that it will also be sided similar to the home and have a metal roof.  These two items have been added as conditions within the draft Non-Traditional Animal License.

The Applicant currently has two dogs as pets.  One is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, which is a smaller breed (typically less then twenty-four [24] inches in height and weighs about 40-50 pounds).  The other is a Treeing Walker Coonhound, which is slightly larger (less than thirty [30] inches in height and usually weights between 50-65 pounds), but would still be considered a medium sized dog.  The addition of the two (2) miniature fainting goats would be similar to the Applicant seeking to maintain two additional dogs on the Subject Property.

The Applicant stated that the two miniature fainting goats would be family pets that will be both indoor and outdoor animals.  The Applicant is also hoping they will assist with brush control too.   The Applicant did include signatures from all abutting property owners, as well as several property owners across the street (both across Ute St and 179th Lane), stating that they have no objections to the request for the Non-Traditional Animal License.  Notices of the request provided three (3) weeks for public comment on the request and as of the writing of this case, only one has been received.  That individual simply reiterated that they have no objection to the request (they were one of the property owners that signed the statement of support).

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #20-116 approving a Non-Traditional Animal License to maintain two (2) miniature fainting goats at 4925 179th Lane NW.  The request does appear reasonable and has the support of almost every one of the immediately surrounding property owners.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not approve a Non-Traditional Animal License for 4925 179th Lane NW.  Those potentially impacted by this request have all signed off on it without objection.  There has only been one public comment received during the comment period, which was reiterating their support for the request.  Staff does not support this alterative.

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

Staff recommends granting the Non-Traditional Animal License to maintain two (2) miniature fainting goats at 4925 179th Lane NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #20-116 approving a Non-Traditional Animal License for Matthew and Sarah Chamberlain to maintain two (2) miniature fainting goats at 4925 179th Lane NW.