Minutes - Council - 01/27/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

format is significantly easier for residents to understand. He indicated support for including this clarification in the ordinance amendment process. Councilmember Olson sought clarification on whether the animal unit chart is intended to be cumulative, meaning property owners must add the applicable animal units based on acreage, rather than assuming each animal category could be allowed independently if it fits within its own standard. City Planner Martin confirmed that the animal unit system is cumulative, noting that property acreage determines the total number of allowable animal units across animal types. He provided an example that a 1.2-acre property equals 1.2 animal units, likening the calculation to a budgeting exercise. He added that the new language, developed with assistance from the City Attorney, clarifies that fractional animal units cannot be applied to a whole animal and that residents cannot keep partial animals. The intent is to make the system easier for residents to understand and apply while allowing flexibility to “plug and play” animal choices within the limits of their property size. Councilmember Stewart asked for clarification on whether a property with 2.5 acres could keep multiple types of animals up to the total allowable animal units, or whether there is an overall cap on the number or combination of animals. She sought confirmation that her understanding of the cumulative limits was correct. City Planner Martin confirmed that the allowable number of animals is based on the total cumulative animal units per property acreage. He explained that a 2.5-acre property equals 2.5 animal units, which may be allocated across different animal types. For example, he noted that a property owner could keep one horse, one rooster, and one goat, totaling 2.5 animal units. Mayor Heineman clarified that the ordinance does not set a maximum number of animals per category; instead, it uses the categories to determine the total allowable animal units based on property acreage (e.g., 2.5 acres equals 2.5 animal units). Councilmember Stewart sought clarification on how the cumulative animal unit calculation is applied in practice, asking whether a property owner must choose between animal types, such as one horse or several chickens, but not both, when the total allowable animal units are limited (e.g., on a 1.2-acre property). Mayor Heineman clarified that a minimum of 2.5 acres is required to keep a horse. On a property of that size, residents may keep multiple types of animals, provided the total does not exceed the allowable animal units. He explained that, for example, a 2.5-acre property could accommodate combinations such as horses and chickens, provided the total animal units did not exceed the acreage limit. City Planner Martin stated that, under the proposed animal unit calculations, a 2.5-acre property could accommodate two horses and up to 12 chickens. Councilmember Stewart asked whether beehives, which are not counted as animal units, would be allowed in addition to the maximum number of animals permitted under the animal unit City Council /January 27, 2026 Page 6 of 10