Consider Resolution #21-286 to Approve a Private Kennel License for the Property Located at 14941 Limonite St NW (Project 21-137); Case of Brian Niehaus

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.  The City received an application from Brian Niehaus (the "Applicant") and Brieanna Evans (the "Property Owner") to maintain four (4) dogs on the property located at 14941 Limonite St NW (the "Subject Property").  The Applicant and Property Owner currently own and maintain three (3) dogs on the Subject Property.  They are interested in housing another dog to bring the total to four (4), which prompted the application for a Private Kennel License.

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

Summary
The Subject Property is roughly 0.84 acres in size and is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing).  The surrounding properties are all approximately the same size as the Subject Property and are also zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing).  Two (2) of the boundaries of the Subject Property (south and west) are fairly well screened with vegetation and the entire side and a portion of the yard is enclosed with a four (4') foot fence.

The three (3) dogs owned and maintained by the Applicant include two (2) minpins (small breed, less than 20 pounds each) and one (1) black lab (medium breed, approximately 60 pounds). The one (1) 'new' dogs that would also be maintained on the Subject Property is a mixed breed (another medium sized dog, approximately 30 pounds). The two minpins are not neutered, and the Applicants plan to have a litter before spaying and neutering them. The dogs are generally indoor dogs that are let outside to go to the bathroom and for exercise purposes.

As previously noted, there is a four (4') foot fence that encloses a large portion (approximately 0.5 acres) of the the side/rear yards of the property. The Applicant has also noted the locations of a large shed, a fire ring, and a fence on the property. Staff also attempted to notify surrounding property owners up to 350 feet of this request. At the time of writing this case, the City has not received any comments back.

Current Dog Information:
Black lab - 5 years old - Molly (girl), spayed
Minpin - newest, roughly 8 months old - Sugar (girl), not spayed
Minpin - newest, roughly 8 months old - Westly (boy), not neutered

Alternatives
Alternative #1: Adopt Resolution #21-286 Granting a Private Kennel License to specifically maintain the four (4) dogs indicated on the application. There have been no nuisance complaints of any sort on the Subject Property.  There is four (4') foot fencing that encloses approximately half an acre of the side/rear yard and there is also some vegetative screening in place.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative #2: Deny the Private Kennel License.  This action would require the Applicant to maintain no more than three (3) dogs one the Subject Property. Staff does not recommend this alternative.

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

Staff recommends approving the request for a Private Kennel License.

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-286 granting a Private Kennel License to maintain the four (4) dogs on the Subject Property.