Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/06/2008

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Councilmember Look clarified with Police Chief Way that this system is not being used for alcohol sales. He asked if this is something that the City will be looking to do. . Police Chief Way indicated this is. something staff would like to proceed with as well. Councilmember Dehen expressed his support in utilizing the system for alcohol sales as well. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 7 of City Code, Section 7.93 Tobacco Sales. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Elvig, Jeffrey, Dehen, Look, and Strommen. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Olson. Case #6: Introduce Ordinance Amendments to 5.03.03 (Dog Regulations) of City Code; Case of City of Ramsey Associate Planner DaInes stated City Code currently requires an Administrative Kennel License in order to maintain three dogs per parcel. The permit is currently processed by the Community Development Department, in cooperation with the Police Department. Ms. Dalnes explained two dogs are permitted outright per parcel, without any kind of special permit. Three dogs require an Administrative Kennel License, and four dogs require a Conditional Use Permit. The intent of the Kennel License requirement is to ensure decent care and boarding of the three dogs, verify that all have received their regular dog license, and to check if any nuisance complaints have been received about any of the dogs. Staff also conducts a site inspection to verify that a fence andlor outdoor kennel is available to keep the dogs in the yard, and that kennels and dog runs are at least 10 feet from neighboring property lines. Ms. DaInes stated in practice, very few residents call the City in advance to determine if a special license is needed to maintain three dogs. Residents often apply for the Kennel License at the same time that they apply for the regular dog license. There have also been a few situations where the lack of a Kennel License has come to light after a complaint is made about a particular dog. Associate Planner Dalnes indicated from 2002-2005, staff processed 13 Kennel License. Staff received 8 applications in 2007. She advised staff recommends that Code be amended to eliminate the Administrative Kennel License requirement, and to maintain the requirement that a Conditional Use Permit be required to maintain four dogs on a parcel. Councilmember Dehen requested clarification as to why this ordinance IS proposed to be changed. Associate Planner DaInes explained the main rationale is that it is kind of a useless permit. By the time someone is applying for the Kennel License they already have three dogs. This puts staff in a situation where they have to deny a permit if a complaint is made, which is usually the reason for the license application. According to the tenns of the Kennel Permit it should notbe granted in cases where there has been a complaint. According to Code, staff is compelled to deny the Kennel License and direct the resident to reduce the number of dogs on the property. City Council! January 22, 2008 Page 14 of22 P72