Consider Resolution #18-097 to Approve a Private Kennel License for the Property Located at 15310 Iguana St NW (Project No. 18-116); Case of Tracianna and Duane Prather

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 April, the City received an application from Tracianna and Duane Prather (the "Applicant") to maintain six (6) dogs on the property located at 15310 Iguana St NW (the "Subject Property").  The Applicant owns and maintains three (3) dogs on the Subject Property.  The application indicated that the Applicant's children are in the process of moving back in with them and that will result in another three (3) dogs residing on the property until such time that the children find housing of their own. 

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

The Subject Property is roughly 0.95 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 rear yards are enclosed with a four (4) foot tall chain link fence.

The three (3) dogs owned and maintained by the Applicant include two (2) poodle/pappillion mixes (small breed, less than 20 pounds each) and a German short-hair pointer.  The three (3) 'new' dogs that would also be temporarily maintained on the Subject Property include a poodle/mini pin mix (another small breed, less than 20 pounds), a black lab, and a pitbull/rhodesian ridgeback mix.  All dogs are currently licensed (licenses attached) and are all spayed or neutered.  The dogs are generally indoor dogs that are let outside to go the bathroom and for exercise purposes.

As previously noted, there is a four (4) foot tall chain link fence that encloses the side/rear yards of the property entirely.  The Applicant has stated their intention of installing another section of fence to 'split' the rear yard so that the dogs would be maintained closer to the home on the Subject Property. 

The Applicant also currently maintains fourteen (14) chickens on the Subject Property.  This is in compliance with City Code Section 10-1 (Keeping of Certain Animals, Livestock and Poultry).  This information is included for reference only as City Code does not include more restrictive standards for maintaining a combination of chickens and dogs.  

There have been two (2) letters submitted regarding this request.  The first was included with the application and is from the adjacent neighbor to the north.  They have stated that they have no objections to the request and, in fact, come over to let the dogs out periodically while the Applicant is at work.  The second letter received noted some concerns such as fence height related to a couple larger dog breeds (lab and German short hair pointer), the potential of barking dogs as a nuisance, concern about safety related to the pit bull mix, and whether the license would be for any six (6) dogs or these six in particular.

The Private Kennel License can be crafted specifically for the six (6) dogs indicated on the application and thus, would truly be for a temporary timeframe.  The dogs are primarily indoors with the exception of being let out for exercise and to go to the bathroom.  Oftentimes, the Applicant and/or the neighbor is outside with the animals to limit the potential nuisance of barking and/or digging in the yard.  While there are no plans to increase the height of the existing fence, the Applicant has a desire to add additional fencing to further section off the rear yard, keeping the dogs closer to the home.  The Applicant has stated that the dogs have had obedience training.

Alternatives

Alternative #1: Adopt Resolution #18-097 Granting a Private Kennel License to specifically maintain the six (6) dogs indicated on the application.  This would ensure that the Private Kennel License is, in fact, temporary.  There have been no nuisance complaints of any sort on the Subject Property.  There is fencing that fully encloses the side/rear yard and there is also some vegetative screening in place.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative #2: Adopt Resolution #18-097 Granting a Private Kennel License to maintain up to six (6) dogs on the Subject Property.  This alternative would allow any six (6) dogs on the Subject Property and would therefore eliminate the temporary nature of the Private Kennel License.  The Applicant is not seeking this alternative and Staff does not support it.

Alternative #3: Deny the Private Kennel License.  This action would require the Applicant to maintain no more than three (3) dogs one the Subject Property.  As requested, the Private Kennel License is intended to address a temporary situation in which the Applicant's children, who both own dogs of their own, are moving back in with them.  While there is no timeframe on when they will find their own housing, when they do, they would move out and bring their dogs with them, therefore reducing the total number of dogs being maintained on the Subject Property down to three (3).  Staff does not support 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 #18-097 granting a Private Kennel License to maintain the six (6) dogs on the Subject Property.