Agenda - Council - 07/27/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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sheep, lambs, turkey, geese and ducks. EXCEPTION: Chickens (hens only, no roosters or crowing hens) may be maintained on parcels less than three acres." Staff is proposing that roosters are allowed by right in the R-1 Rural Residential district on lots 2.5 acres or greater (the minimum lot size in this district). Roosters would be allowed with the same process as is currently used for horses, which requires an administrative approval by City Staff. Note: Roosters would still be held to nuisance regulations, which include applicable sound levels. Nuisance levels for noise are set forth by the State. Some roosters, per a Google search, have a decibel range from 70-130 decibels which is well above the levels outlined in City Code; although the duration may be shorter than what the nuisance standards are based on. While roosters could be over this decibel level if you were directly adjacent to the rooster, Staff does not anticipate that roosters would be over the minimum from an adjacent property if the property complies with the proposed code. Cats In 2021 thus far, the City has received complaints of at least two (2) properties with numerous cats on the property, domesticated and wild. These are not the first complaints to appear regarding the number and/or condition of cats on residential properties in the City, but the City Code does not have any regulations for cats. Several surrounding cities have adopted similar ordinances to include cats and dogs in the same section to limit the number, or to include registration of total domestic animals over a total of three (3). The draft ordinance proposes holding cats to the same requirements as dogs as domesticated animals, including a limitation of three (3) on residential properties. The adoption of this ordinance states any additional cats and/or dogs exceeding a total of three (3) will require a kennel license. Beekeeping At the request of members of the public, the City is proposing to amend the beekeeping section of the Animal chapter in City Code to create more leniency with requirements for beekeeping. The City is proposing to regulate beekeeping through a zoning permit, similar to accessory structures and fences, instead of a formal land use application process. This will expedite beekeeping requests and not create financial hardship for property owners that are interested in the keeping of bees. Any violation of the beekeeping requirements will continue to be subject to the City's code enforcement process. Revocation of the license would come to City Council. Other Staff did receive a comment from a resident who wanted to allow ducks on 1/4 acre lots, under the same regulations as chickens. Staff has reached out to this resident directly to work with them on a special animal license to allow ducks on their property, as they appear to be uniquely qualified to care for ducks. Summary Ordinance 21-11 aims to amend Chapter 10 to update the Animals section of City Code to adapt to the requests of residents regarding roosters, other agricultural animals, and to have similar requirements as dogs for cats. The acreage requirements for agricultural animals has proposed to be shifted to allow more animals on smaller properties. Cats will also be subject to the same standards as dogs, which will provide guidance for future code enforcement cases regarding the keeping and maintenance of cats. Additionally, while many other cities in the Metro also prohibit roosters, Staff is proposing roosters to be allowed on parcels over two (2) acres as a conditional use. Beekeeping will also be regulated as a zoning permit for the convenience of future bee enthusiasts. The draft ordinance and research of other cities' requirements are attached to the case. Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. Recommendation: