Introduce Ordinance to Amend City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) Related to Keeping of Non-Domestic Animals on Parcels Less Than Three (3) Acres in Size

Over the past several months, Staff has fielded an increased number of calls regarding the keeping of certain non-domestic animals on parcel less than three (3) acres in size. A majority of the questions fielded are in regard to chickens. As with many of these non-domestic animals permitted in City Code, at least three (3) acres are needed to keep this type of animal.

This case was most recently discussed at the May 4, 2010 Work Session. An ordinance to amend this section of City Code has been drafted on the comments provided at that Work Session.

No notification required at this time. The City Council may direct Staff to prepare a Public Hearing for the case to adopt the ordinance amending City Code.

The proposed ordinance amends City Code by lowering the threshold for lot size and basing the calculation for animal units to allow for four (4) chickens on a parcel between a quarter (1/4) acre (10,800 square feet) and 2.99 acres. A separate subdivision in the Animal Ordinance was created for parcels within this lot size category. Staff originally tried to incorporate this category within the existing 'animal unit' table.  However, based on the species the City Council desired to allow, the equation did not work with the existing methodology unless the City Council desires to allow twelve (12) chickens in this category.  The ordinance also allows for the provision of bee-keeping, a request Staff does field from time to time.

Concerns addressed at the May 4, 2010 Work Session included adequate setbacks, screening, and maintenance. As chicken-coops typically include some sort of covered structure, Staff would recommend that all chicken coops maintain a minimum setback of ten (10) feet from side and rear property lines and be located in the rear yard.

Staff supports the attached ordinance, as Staff believes that it addresses multiple strategic goals, including sustainability and private property rights. Numerous communities have or are addressing this particular issue.

Chapter 10 of the City Code (Animals) is not found as part of the Zoning or Subdivision Code, and therefore is not required to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. In addition, the proposed amendments do not appear to impact applications under purview of the Planning Commission, and therefore, Staff is not recommending to bring forward through the Planning Commission at this time. The City Council could direct Staff to forward the ordinance to the Planning Commission for review and comment if it chose.

Staff recommends that the City Council introduce the ordinance to amend City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) to reduce the minimum lot size threshold for certain non-domestic animals and provide proper standards for allowing for bee keeping in certain circumstances.

Preparation of the Ordinance is being handled as part of regular Staff duties.

Motion to introduce the ordinance to amend City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) to reduce the minimum lot size threshold for certain non-domestic animals and provide proper standards for allowing for bee keeping in certain circumstances.