HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem -20W.S. 02Memorandum
To: Planning Commission
From: Frank Dempsey, AICP
Associate Planner
Date: March 14, 2014
wprks-essi,3n
m No. a
City of Lakeville
Planning Department
Subject: March 20, 2014 Work session — Chickens in Residential Districts
Background
Planning Department staff has received numerous inquiries from the public to allow the
keeping of chickens (specifically laying hens) and other farm animals in single family
residential zoning districts. The Zoning Ordinance defines chickens as farm animals which
are allowed only on farm properties in the AP, Agricultural Preserve District, RA, Rural
Agricultural District or the RAO, Rural Agricultural Overlay District. The Planning Commission
discussed this issue as part of their overall Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance amendment
process in 2011/2012. At that time, the Planning Commission decided to not consider an
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regulations concerning the keeping of farm animals.
Because of numerous recent inquiries about the keeping of chickens in residential district, the
City Council discussed the issue at their work session on February 24, 2014 and directed staff
to bring this discussion to the Planning Commission for the purpose of amending the Zoning
Ordinance to allow chickens in residential districts subject to specific performance standards
and restrictions. The draft February 24, 2014 City Council work session minutes are attached
for your reference.
Whether it is a desire to provide local sustainable agriculture or a desire to raise hens as pets,
there has been an increase in the number of people expressing interest in keeping some farm
animals on their single family home properties. Some cities have seen increased interest from
the public in allowing some farm animals, including chickens, bees and other poultry for pets
or as a means of producing food on single family residential lots. Most requests are for four to
six hens or a small number of bee hives.
Any change to the Zoning Ordinance to allow the keeping of chickens should include
regulations to prevent nuisances, protect the health and well-being of the animals, and
minimize any potential negative impact to nearby properties. The Minnesota Department of
Health does not consider back yard chicken flocks to be a health risk provided that the
chickens are raised in a clean, isolated and well maintained environment.
Research that was conducted of nine cities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area that are
adjacent to or similar in character to Lakeville in regard to population and growth
characteristics shows there are a variety of rules and regulations pertaining to the keeping of
chickens in residential areas. Of the nine cities studied, three do not allow the keeping of
chickens outside of rural residential or farm properties. Burnsville, Farmington and Eagan
now allow chickens in residential areas subject to minimum coop and run design standards as
well as requiring permits and regular inspections by city animal control officers. None of the
cities, except Eden Prairie, allow the keeping of bees (apiaries) residential zoned properties.
The cities that allow chickens in residential areas allow them by either an interim use permit
(requiring a public hearing), administrative permit or licensing (staff approvals) or requiring
no permit at all. Permits help ensure that persons keeping chickens submit plans and provide
confirmation that they understand the city's regulations for keeping the animals. The non -
permit approach relies solely on enforcement on a complaint basis. Staff contacted the six
cities that allow the keeping of chickens finding that none of those cities have issued more
than a small number of permits since amending their ordinance to allow chickens in
residential areas. None claimed any significant complaints by neighbors in those cities.
Exhibits
0 Comparison Table of Other Cities Regulations
0 October 17, 2012 Sun This Week Article (Eagan)
0 March 21, 2013 Sun This Week Article (Farmington)
0 March 6, 2014 Sun This Week Article (Apple Valley)
0 November 2, 2010 Star Tribune Article
0 November 14, 2010 Parade Magazine Article
0 November 17, 2011 Planning Commission Work Session Notes
0 Pioneer Press Article (publication date unknown)
0 June 24, 2013 Star Tribune Article
0 September 22, 2013 Pioneer Press Article
0 January 21, 2014 Star Tribune Article
0 Draft February 24, 2014 City Council Work Session Minutes
SUMMARY
Staff is requesting Planning Commission discussion and recommendations for performance
standards for the keeping of chickens in residential districts. Staff will then draft a Zoning
Ordinance amendment to present to the Planning Commission at a future public hearing.
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Planning Commission Work Session
November 17, 2011
detrimental impact on the aesthetics of the freeway corridor and the existing retail businesses in the
Freeway Corridor District that have complied with the 30 foot maximum freestanding sign height.
The Planning Commission directed staff to work with the property owner to identify options that would
allow greater visibility of the Goodwill pylon sign to freeway motorists while working within existing
Zoning Ordinance requirements.
Potential Zonina and Subdivision Ordinance Amendments
Staff went through the list of 32 possible Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance amendments listed
in the revised planning memorandum dated November 9, 2011. The Planning Commission
commented on the following proposed amendments:
#1 — Agreed provided the number of administrative extensions for preliminary plats is
limited.
#2 — Agreed provided the City Council can refer the final plat to the Planning Commission if
it is determined there are issues that need more extensive review and discussion.
#3 — The submittal of building floor and elevation plans and a comprehensive sign plan
should apply to commercial and industrial, not residential, plats.
#6 — Specifically listing Quik Brik as a Grade A exterior building finish should be limited to
larger sized commercial buildings, should be reviewed by the Economic Development
Commission, and should be considered after the construction of WalMart is complete.
#10 — Tie the driveway paving requirement to a minimum detached accessory building size
and/or overhead garage door size (large enough to store or get a car in and out of).
#13 — Input should be obtained from the owners of homes with buffer yard berming and
landscaping, not just residential developers. Consider "saddle berms" as an option.
#18 — Tie the animal feedlot regulations to the one horse per acre requirement.
#22 — Input must be obtained from the Fire Marshal prior to amending the ordinance
concerning propane tank exchanges. Not in favor of amending the ordinance to
allow unattended clothing donation boxes.
#25 — Concerns were raised about allowing doggie day care in multi -tenant commercial and
industrial buildings.
�.� #28 — Not in favor of allow chickens on urban residential lots. Willing to host a work session
to listen to the arguments of the urban chicken advocates. The issue should also be
reviewed by the City Council at a work session.
#29 — Supports that City staff continue working with Dakota County to gain allowance of the
MN Logos trailblazer signs in County right-of-way.
#30 — Any increase in freestanding and wall sign allowances in the O -R District should be
tied to the size of the building and the use of the property.
#31 — Supported allowing multiple wall signs for each tenant of a multi -tenant industrial
building provided the total wall sign area is limited to 15% of the building fagade for
each tenant space, similar to previous wall sign regulations for commercial and
industrial buildings.
#32 — Consideration should be given to restricting the hours of operation for manufacturing
uses, if they are going to be allowed back in the OP District, especially adjacent to
residential uses.
E
SunThisweek I Eagan to allow backyard chickens Page 1 of 2
I& sunthisweek.com http://sunthisweek.com/2012/10/17/eagan-to-allow-backyard-chickens/
Eagan to allow backyard chickens
By Jessica Harper
New ordinance amendment to allow five chickens on residential
property
By the end of this month, Eagan homeowners will be able to
raise chickens in their backyards thanks to an amended city
ordinance.
On Oct. 16, the City Council unanimously approved an
ordinance amendment to allow residents to raise a few
chickens on residential property. Mayor Mike Maguire and
Council Member Cyndee Fields were absent.
"This will be educational for the families who have chickens,
and for that reason I support this," said Council Member
Gary Hansen, who grew up on a farm that raised chickens
and other animals.
The decision is welcome news for Eagan resident Barb
Harpster, who plans to raise a small number of chickens in
her backyard.
"I'm very glad we are joining other cities in allowing
chickens," Harpster said. "They're great for organic
gardening."
Harpster, who grows a variety of heirloom vegetables and
flowers, noted that chickens provide natural pest control and fertilizer.
"The educational value to my kids is wonderful," said Harpster, who has two children. "It's a great way for
them to learn about animals and responsibility."
The issue was brought to the City Council in June by some residents who challenged the city's current
ordinance prohibiting chickens and other farm animals in nonagricultural areas.
The amendment, which is set to go into effect Oct. 26, allows residents to raise up to five chickens in the
backyard of a single-family home. Residents will be prohibited from raising chickens at townhomes or
apartments, and will be prohibited from keeping roosters on residential property.
The amendment also prohibits the slaughter of animals and the sale of eggs on residential property.
Backyard chicken owners will be required to have fences to keep the birds within the property and to
"reasonably" match the exterior of the chicken coop to the home's finish.
The amendment requires chicken coops to have a 10 -foot setback from property lines and a 25 -foot setback
from dwellings.
http://sunthisweek.com/2012/10/17/eagan-to-allow-backyard-chickens/ 3/12/2014
SunThisweek I Eagan to allow backyard chickens
Page 2 of 2
Residents are required to obtain a $50 permit, which can be revoked if the owner fails to comply with
requirements of the ordinance or of the homeowners' association. Residents will be required to have their
property inspected to obtain a permit and a renewal. The permit fee is consistent with the city's fee for
pigeons on residential properties.
Council Member Paul Bakken suggested that city officials examine lowering the permit fee in the future if
feasible.
Chickens won't be allowed in homes or garages due to health concerns.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, which studies agricultural issues, humans can contract
bacterial and respiratory infections by keeping chickens in their living spaces. Though Avian flu is a common
concern, there are no cases being transmitted from birds to humans in the United States, according to the U
of M Extension.
Although residents will not be required to inform their neighbors before acquiring chickens, Bakken
encouraged people to work with their neighbors out of courtesy.
Eagan's amendment is consistent with chicken ordinances in other cities. To date, 14 Minnesota cities have
adopted ordinances allowing small numbers of chickens in residential areas.
Although most neighboring cities don't address coop space for each chicken, Eagan's ordinance will require
coops to have a minimum of 2 square feet of interior floor space for each chicken.
This isn't the first ordinance change to allow new pets within Eagan. The council previously amended an
ordinance to allow pet pigeons in residential backyards.
http://sunthisweek.com/2012/10/17/eagan-to-allow-backyard-chickens/ 3/12/2014
SunThisweek I Make way for chickens with Farmington ordinance Page 1 of 1
W sunthisweek.com http://sunthisweek.com/2013/03/21/make-way-for-chickens-farmington/
Make way for chickens with Farmington ordinance
By Theresa Malloy
Urban residents can have up to three chickens with permit
After two years of debate, Farmington residents in urban areas can now raise chickens in their own
backyards under an ordinance passed at the City Council meeting March 18.
The initial draft of the ordinance allowed for a maximum of six chickens, but Council Member Christy Jo
Fogarty and Mayor Todd Larson thought it was better to start out with three chickens, citing community
concern.
Fogarty said she had almost a dozen negative calls about the ordinance. "I am trying to balance what I
heard," she said.
"I don't care for it," Larson said, "but I do understand the need the community is bringing forward. I am willing
to try it for a year."
Not all supporters were squawking with excitement about the change.
"I am disappointed, but at least it's something" said Annabelle Randow, 15. Annabelle and her brother,
Stefan Randow, 12, were two of a handful of Farmington youths who supported the ordinance.
"The original ordinance we drafted for the Planning Commission said five chickens," Stefan said. "They said
we can do six and were confident it was going to pass."
Lerew Kass, 14, another supporter, said he was surprised to hear about complaints. Besides one negative
email sent to the city, he said he never heard from any dissenters. At the March 12 public hearing, only
supporters showed up, said Tony Wippler, assistant city planner.
The ordinance passed unanimously with the three -chickens limit, but council members Doug Bonar and
Jason Bartholomay thought six chickens was an OK number.
Bartholomay said he did not think three chickens was enough for people who wanted to get eggs. Bonar,
who worked on the Planning Commission in past years reviewing the ordinance, said, "I'm confident that this
has been thoroughly vetted in the last two years."
He agreed to three chickens "in the interest of world peace."
The council will review the ordinance after a year and keep track of complaints. Council members said they
would consider more chickens in the future.
People who apply for the Urban Chicken Permit will have to go through a public hearing process before the
permit is approved. The city provides specific regulations about where the chickens will be kept and
enclosure specifications. After a year, the permit will be administratively renewed after a city inspection.
http://sunthisweek.com/2013/03/21 /make-way-for-chickens-farmington/ 3/12/2014
SunThisweek I Council: No backyard chickens in Apple Valley Page 1 of 1
4 sunthisweek.com http://sunthisweek.com/2014/03/06/council-no-backyard-chickens-in-apple-valley/
Council: No backyard chickens in Apple Valley
By Andrew Miller
There will be no cock-a-doodle-doo-ing coming from Apple Valley homes for the foreseeable future, with the
City Council last week voting to affirm a ban on backyard chickens and other farm animals at residential
properties.
The vote followed a review of the city ordinance pertaining to household pets and farm animals that was
prompted by a number of residents expressing interest in keeping chickens and goats at their single-family
homes.
The city's Urban Affairs Committee held a public comment meeting in September of last year that drew 35
people, with many expressing an interest in keeping chickens in order to have some flexibility in raising their
own food.
A handful of residents who spoke in opposition to backyard chickens and other animals at the September
meeting cited concerns about noise, smells, the potential for conflicts between neighbors and impact on real
estate transactions.
The council, in affirming the residential farm animal ban last week, also updated the ordinance to include a
prohibition on wild animals such as bears, raccoons and poisonous snakes.
The new ordinance amendment also makes a provision for ferrets. Ferrets are now classified among
acceptable household pets, and the total number of dogs, cats and ferrets is limited to no more than six per
residence (with a maximum of three of any one type of animal).
Apple Valley is not alone in its backyard chicken prohibition. According to a 2012 survey of 52 metro
municipalities that was conducted by the city of Cottage Grove, about two-thirds of the cities surveyed do not
allow the keeping of chickens on urban residential lots.
Among Apple Valley's municipal neighbors, Eagan allows residents to have up to five chickens on their
property; Lakeville currently does not allow chickens at residences, though that policy is now under review.
http://sunthisweek.coml2014/03/06/council-no-backyard-chickens-in-apple-valley/ 3/12/2014
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StarTribunexom
Bloomington City Council softies
chicken flap
Hens can stay - as long as owners
keep them 50 feet from property
lines. Fowl fans had hoped for 30
feet.
By MARY JANE SMETANKA1, Star Tribune
Last update: November 2. 2010 - 10:35 PM
Bloomington's long-running chicken debate
ended with a dispirited squawk for chicken
lovers when the City Council on Monday
approved an ordinance change that allows
about 21 percent of the properties in the city
to keep hens.
Set on making sure that neighbors are not
bothered if the people next-door decide to
keep hens, the council decided that chicken
coops should be at least 50 feet from
residential property lines. Council Member
Amy Grady proposed the setback, which is
half what it was in old rules that date from
the 1950s.
"I have no problem with having chickens on
lots as long as they don't bother the
neighbors," Grady said.
Advertisement
People who want to keep chickens have been
vocal, starting a Facebook page to support
Bloomington hens in advocating for a 30 -
foot lot setback. Opponents have been just
as active in letting council members know
what they think, Grady said.
"We have to balance those who want them
with those who don't want them," she said.
Council Member Karen Nordstrom said she
saw allowing hens as part of the local food
movement and "another step to making
Bloomington a little better place to live." But
Mayor Gene Winstead and council Member
Vern Wilcox said they were not comfortable
with having farm animals in a suburb.
Council Member Steve Peterson said he
considered the 50 -foot rule a good way to
see how chickens work out. He assured
chicken supporters in the audience that if no
problems develop, perhaps the rule could be
loosened in the future.
Bloomington resident Jeanie Mellem, who
became the public face of chicken advocates
when she was cited last spring for illegally
keeping four hens in her backyard, said
Tuesday that the decision was "silly." The
new rule is so restrictive that few people will
be able to keep hens, she said. A 30 -foot
Print Powered By ? Dynamics
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Sta-dribunexom
setback would have allowed 96 percent of
the residential properties in the city to have
hens.
"It just doesn't make any sense to me at all,"
Mellem said.
She said she is not sure if she will be able to
keep her chickens, and had contacted the
city to see how measurements in her
irregular lot would work. While she said she
is confident she can find good homes for the
hens if they need to go, she said she also is
considering moving to another property that
would be big enough to keep the hens she
calls "the ladies."
Mary Jane Smetanka - 612-673-7380
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........................................................................ Backyard Chickens......................................................................
Cheep Chic
Ins iburban backya7ds
across Arwriea, chickens
are coming hmne to most
by Joanne Kmq�nan
—7—N LIZABUMLAMPERT'S
1 daughter, Siena,
wanted a horse. "But
that would have been
expensive," says Lampert, the
owner of a public -relations agency
just outside San Francisco. Instead
she went to a local hay -and -feed
store and bought the 10 -year-old
a pair of chickens. "Then Siena
thought they were getting lonely,
so we got three more." Lampert
pays her daughter $2 a day to
feed them, herd them back into
their coop every night, aid
collect their eggs, generally
two or three a day.
"Che eggs are amazing,"
Lampert says. "They taste
rich and creamy. The
yolk—it's very orange. Siena
used to ask for cereal for
breakfast. Now she wants a
veggie omelet."
"MY daughter used to
ask for' cereal for breakfast.
Now she wants a veggie omelet.'
Lampert is among the
thousands who have muddied the
line of demarcation between
urban and rural America over the
last few years, who've brought the
8 • November 14, 2010
cluck, cluck here and the cluck,
cluck there of Old MacDonald's
farm to their urban and suburban
backyards. Municipalities like
Detroit, perhaps concerned about
the possibility of noise, fowl
odors, and abandoned chickens,
prohibit them. Others, including
Spokane, have significant
restrictions on coop construction.
But a long list of cities—including
Seattle, Chicago, New York, and
Portland, Che.—are perfectly fine
about being home for the (free)
range, at least for hens.
"Many people want to become
more self-sufficient,"
observes Rob
0 0
Hen party:
Besides laying
eggs, chickens
eat rugs and
weeds—
and provide
fertilizer.
Ludlow, founder of the
community website
BarkYardChickens.com. "Having
a handful of egg -laying hens in a
relatively small yard allows people
to participate in the grow -local
movement without having to
move." Ludlow has no precise
figures on the number of
backyard -chicken owners in the
U.S., but when he created his
website three years ago it had only
SO members; now, he says, there
are more than 70,000.
According to Ludlow, "There's
a growing awareness of how fun
and easy it is to raise backyard
chickens, plus a growing
realization that chickens are a
multi-purpose pet. They eat the
bugs and weeds in your yard, and
they generate fantastic fertilizer."
Of course, they also provide your
breakfast. But generally not your
dinner. "I would never eat one of
my chickens," Lampert says.
Tonya Langford Moyle and her
husband, "Thatcher, of Portland,
Ore., have half a dozen chickens,
including a Rhode Island Red, a
Dominique, and a Brahma, whose
peak egg -laying capacity is six a
day. "It makes us feel closer to the
earth. And we thought it would
be nice for our daughter," says
Tonna, the vice president of a
Web -design company, referring to
5 -year-old Una. Thatcher, a
financial planner, went so far as to
buy some architectural plans off
the Internet and build a
contemporary -looking coop with
a clear roof. And his is hardly the
only high -style henhouse in town;
Portland even holds an annual
"Tour de Coops."
s r
Visit us at PARADE.COM
IR
Twin Cities: Backyard chickens welcome, Watchdog says, as long as owners follow rules ... Page 1 of 2
Twin Cities: Backyard chickens welcome, Watchdog says, as long as
owners follow rules
By Debra O'Connor watchdog@pioneerpress.com TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press
Posted: TwinCities.com
A reader recently squawked to the Pioneer Press after noticing chickens in the back yard of a St. Paul
home.
"Very cute," the writer said. "But is this legal?" The Watchdog saw the post on SeeClickFix, an online
feature on TwinCities.com that lets users alert their communities about quality -of -life issues. The
Watchdog investigated to See whether a Chicks Fix was needed in the Macalester-Groveland
neighborhood.
As it turns out, the chickens are owned by the DuBois family, and the city of St. Paul confirmed the birds
are legal. Homeowners Jacques and Katie DuBois followed the city ordinance when they first got
chickens two years ago: They filed the paperwork, paid the fee, housed the chickens in an acceptable
coop and secured the agreement of at least 75 percent of the neighbors living within 150 feet of their
home.
Jacques DuBois told the Watchdog that two of 10 neighbors did decline, with one claiming, "People in
(ZIP code) 55105 don't want to have chickens there," while another said she didn't like the idea of having
"livestock" around, DuBois said. But, he noted, that neighbor now brings her grandchildren over to
observe Mario, Luigi and Oreo scratch and cluck.
Across the nation, backyard chickens -- part of what's called "urban farming" -- are all the rage. In St.
Paul, the population is exploding, said animal -control supervisor Bill Stephenson.
"A lot of people like them as pets, and the eggs are a benefit," he said.
In St. Paul, there's been a permit process in place for more than 20 years, but the city used to see only
three or four requests per year from people wanting to set up backyard coops. Now, it can be that many
per week. One animal -control employee works two days a week checking the living conditions and
sanitation of chickens, beehives and other less -common animals kept in the city, Stephenson said.
Some other metro -area cities allowing chickens in a regular -sized back yard are Minneapolis, Anoka,
Burnsville, Farmington, Hastings, Rosemount, Roseville, West St. Paul and Maplewood. Some
communities that don't allow them include Apple Valley, Eagan, Stillwater, Woodbury, Inver Grove
Heights and, thus far, Cottage Grove. That's according to a survey done by the city earlier this year, when
resident Rykna Olson, who grew up on a farm, asked that Cottage Grove consider allowing chickens. As
she said in an email to the city, "I miss some of the amenities that a farm provides, especially fresh eggs."
The Watchdog did some research herself and found some ordinances to be fussier than others: Ham
Lake, for example, requires the color of the coop to blend with that of the house. Bayport's extensive
regulations note that chickens can't be kept in the house. Several cities that are still largely rural require
lots to be 3 or more acres. The upscale community of North Oaks, which used to be railroad magnate
James J. Hill's farm, doesn't allow the birds at all.
Most cities that allow chickens require a permit, charge a fee and check on the chickens' welfare
regularly. Ordinances describe an acceptable coop's configuration, along with its placement on the
property.
Most ordinances recognize some neighbors may not be enthusiastic about living near a miniature farm.
Most don't allow roosters because they're noisy and can be aggressive. In East Bethel, which doesn't bar
roosters, spokeswoman Stephanie Hanson notes: "We have no complaints on chickens; however, we
have numerous complaints on roosters." Most require some or all of the neighbors to sign off on the idea.
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Twin Cities: Backyard chickens welcome, Watchdog says, as long as owners follow rules ... Page 2 of 2
In Maplewood, which adopted an ordinance last year, the owner of every property adjacent to the
applicant's must agree, or the applicant has to prove his property lines are at least 150 feet from anyone's
house.
And most cities limit the number of chickens to three or four -- but not Minneapolis, where there's no
official limit if a resident can convince 80 percent of the neighbors to sign off on the number and the city
agrees they're properly kept. Minneapolis also allows roosters, but that has to be disclosed to neighbors
and their signatures must be notarized.
Minneapolis, which has allowed backyard fowl as far back as anyone in animal control can remember,
now has a population of about 1,500 chickens, with an average of six to eight birds per household,
according to permit coordinator Ann Thelen. Growth is still booming, with six to 10 application requests
per week.
"Hens are wildfire this year," Thelen said.
And beehives, another part of the urban -farming movement, are gaining momentum. "They're coming in
droves, too," Thelen said.
On Tuesday, June 5, a Stillwater family who had been cited for illegally keeping chickens appeared
before the city council to ask members to consider making chickens legal. The council agreed, 3-2, to
look into the matter, and will charge the standard $500 to have the city research a resident's request.
"There's enough illegal chickens out there that they're having a fundraiser to change the ordinance," said
Mayor Ken Harycki. "They're pretty passionate about it. Apparently, there's a groundswell going on."
Both Jacques and Katie DuBois grew up living in apartments, so having hens and a backyard garden at
their St. Paul house is a way to experience something new and promote their children's health, Jacques
DuBois said. The children, ages 9, 5 and 3, see the chickens as pets and will casually pick them up and
carry them around. The family boxer and poodle mingle with the hens wandering in the yard.
The family keeps different varieties, including the Ameraucana, nicknamed the "Easter Egger" because it
lays blue-, green- and pink -tinted eggs. The hens are "dual-purpose," fit for both eggs and meat. They
give enough eggs to satisfy the family's need and when, after three years or so, their laying days are
done, there are companies that will process poultry for stew. The DuBoises' hens have the run of their
fenced -in yard, but most have been able to flap over their 3 -foot -high fence; they've lost one to a
neighbor's dog and one to a hawk.
And once, the family accidentally got a rooster from their chick supplier. Since noise and aggression
make roosters illegal in St. Paul, they couldn't keep him.
So they ate him.
Editor's note: Feel like an underdog because of a problem with a business, government agency or
school? To ask the Watchdog for help, go to TwinCities.com/ watchdog, call 651-228-5419 or email
watchdog@pioneerpress.com. Follow her at twitter.com/ pioneerwatchdog.
http://www.twincities.comlci_20814598/watchdog-backyard-chickens-welcome-some-met... 1/22/2014
Mielke, Steven
From: smielke@charter.net
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2013 7:32 AM
To: Mielke, Steven
Subject: SM sent you an article from www.startribune.com
Rise of the Suburban Farmer: some Minneapolis/St. Paul suburbs start to allow backyard chicken coops
Shannon Prather, Star Tribune
Charles Reinhardt admits he got busted for it about five years ago.
He'd kept it under wraps for years right under his neighbors' noses. Then he slipped up and shared his secret
with some neighborhood kids. Within days, it had flown the coop.
"I had chickens. I let the neighbor kids come over and give them some corn and someone turned me in to the
city," Reinhardt said.
Initially, he was irked at the warning letter from Centerville City Hall. He complied and got rid of his chickens.
Then he decided to challenge the system.
It took several years but he finally persuaded the Centerville City Council to pass an ordinance allowing
chickens. He's the first resident in the northern Anoka County suburb to apply for a two-year permit, at a cost of
$75. He's already brought home four young hens to roost, the maximum allowed. He hopes to have fresh eggs
within a few weeks.
"I am a rebel. I will push things," Reinhardt says, a little tongue in cheek. "Actually, I kind of worried people
would laugh at me and think I am weird. But I thought: I am 44 years old. I don't care what people think. You
only live once. There is no reason I should have to move to have something as simple as that."
Call it the rise of the suburban farmer. Urban farming has grown in popularity during the past decade as more
health -conscious people clamor for locally grown and organic food options. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul
allow back -yard chickens with permitting and other conditions.
Now, some suburban city councils are following suit, but with provisions designed to protect neighbors from
unwelcome noise and nuisance. Circle Pines and Centerville enacted ordinances that take effect this month
allowing up to four hens — no roosters permitted. The city of Farmington in the south metro has also enacted a
chicken ordinance this spring, allowing up to three hens at homes with certain zoning designations. Eagan also
has started allowing chickens.
But not every city council has fallen for the charms of the chicken.
Blaine and Coon Rapids do not allow them on standard residential lots, according to their city clerks. Both city
councils have discussed changing that in recent years but took no action.
Audrey Matson, owner of Eggplant Urban Farm Supply, said the suburbs can actually be more skittish than big
cities when it comes to allowing back -yard coops.
"The suburbs are less likely to allow it even though they have more space," Matson said. "There's just concern
there's going to be problems with smelly, badly -made coops and eyesores."
Matson, who has spoken to city councils on behalf of wannabe chicken owners, says a little education helps
local leaders understand that back -yard chicken farming can be quiet, neat and unobtrusive to neighbors.
Matson said she's definitely seeing more suburban customers asking about chickens.
Even then, it's still a rare breed of suburban homeowner who takes the leap, one city manager says.
"We don't expect there will be a lot of applications for this," said Centerville's Dallas Larson. "If we get two or
three applications in the course of a year, that may be about right. There is a lot of work that goes with [chicken
farming]. There are a few people in that organic gardening group that will find it appealing."
And there are hoops to jump through.
Circle Pines' new ordinance requires that 70 percent of neighbors grant permission before a $75 two-year
permit is issued. It also requires a 10,000 -square -foot minimum lot size and an enclosed coop or run.
"The council wanted their neighbors to have some say," said City Administrator Jim Keinath.
Farmington limits chickens to larger residential properties zoned R-1. The Farmington Planning and Zoning
Commission must approve applications. The commission heard its first request Iast week.
"I don't expect it will go gangbusters," said assistant city planner Tony Wippler. "There is a select group of
people who raise chickens and I don't think it's widespread. I do know more and more communities are doing
these things."
Reinhardt said he decided he wanted chickens after seeing them in friends' back yards.
"I kind of like them. They made me feel relaxed," said the disabled army veteran.
He said he's looking forward to the homegrown eggs. He's embraced the homegrown food movement and feels
the less chemicals and pesticides, the better.
He anticipates his hens will lay about two dozen eggs a week. He uses the manure to fertilize his large vegetable
garden.
His four hens, which he bought as chicks, are four different breeds — a gold star, silver laced wine dot,
Americana, and Rhode Island red.
"I don't have names for them, but I know their personalities. I know how they act. "
Shannon Prather - 612-673-4804
New Brighton backyard farm sows seeds of discord - TwinCities.com
New Brighton backyard farm sows seeds of discord
By Sarah Homer shomer@pioneerpress. com TwinCities. com-Pioneer Press
Posted:
Page 1 of 4
TwinCities.com
From the front, nothing about the house in suburban New Brighton appears that different.
A car sits in the driveway near a flower bed of towering magenta amaranth plants. A small
pirate flag waves from atop a picnic table, a nod to the "Peter Pan" -inspired name the
women who live here gave the half -acre property when they moved in seven years ago.
Behind the one-story house, however, is a different scene.
There, you see sprawling vegetable gardens, berry plants, bee hives and lots of fowl. A large
coop extends from the back deck and houses about 15 laying hens, a dozen quail, a few
heritage turkeys, a couple ducks and one Serama rooster. A basket brimming with
vegetables sits on a table near a garden bed. Next to it is a bowl full of multicolored eggs.
The collection represents a day's harvest at "Lost Boys Acre," an experimental urban farm
operated by four women in the quiet residential neighborhood near Silver Lake Road and
Interstate 694.
What you don't see is the tension with their next-door neighbors, a couple in their 70s who
have lived in their house for nearly 30 years, allegations of dishonesty and bullying traded
between the two households.
The dispute has spilled into New Brighton City Hall with complaints issued to staff and
police. Kristie Kellis, 38, the registered owner of the house at 715 Forest Dale Road, said
she has contacted the Minnesota Department of Human Rights as well. State officials,
however, cannot confirm active complaints.
While the city hasn't tracked the cost of the complaints in terms of staff hours, it has taken up
substantial resources.
Next-door neighbors Bob and Gerry Parrott say the women's farming is out of control and
highly disruptive.
Kellis says the Parrotts are unreasonable and that her property is well maintained.
Furthermore, she says it's within her legal rights as a New Brighton resident to operate an
urban farm.
Although New Brighton has a nuisance ordinance, the city has no specific rules regulating
the keeping and raising of fowl or other practices associated with farming within its city limits.
Some 60 residents are said to be engaged in the practice to varying degrees.
Prompted by the conflict -- now in its second year -- the city recently assembled a task force
to study how other communities have tackled urban farming, an increasingly popular
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New Brighton backyard farm sows seeds of discord - TwinCities.com Page 2 of 4
practice in Minnesota and elsewhere. The committee is expected to make recommendations
to the city council next spring.
"We are not looking for this thing to spread," New Brighton Mayor Dave Jacobsen said of the
Forest Dale Road conflict. "We hope the task force can clarify what is reasonable for urban
farming before this issue turns our city into a battleground."
IN CONFLICT
On a recent tour of Lost Boys Acre, Kellis points out vegetables growing in one of the many
backyard gardens.
Most of them are planted in raised beds, but this year the women also planted in straw bales
to honor the "experimental" part of their mission. The decision to raise quail was prompted
by the same desire, Kellis said.
"We experiment with what can be done in a suburban environment so we can educate other
people about what works," Kellis said. She added that it's increasingly important for people
to rethink how they get their food.
The food they produce feeds Kellis and her three housemates as well as five other families
who volunteer at Lost Boys Acre, she said. Additional food is shared with neighbors and
friends.
No money exchanges hands, Kellis said, adding that three of the women in the house have
full-time jobs.
Lost Boys Acre started raising birds about two years ago. Kellis describes the animals as
relatively quiet and says odor is regulated through the use of a "deep litter" composting
method.
Bob Parrott disagrees.
"We can't really enjoy our back yard anymore; it just depends which way the wind is
blowing," Parrott said. "And then there's the noise. Have you ever heard a chicken laying an
egg? It's like a woman in labor, and they have about 20 laying hens."
The Parrotts also cite concerns about runoff into a pond behind their house, as well as
unsightliness from the way the women maintain the property.
Complaints to the city started about the time the birds arrived. Although staff can't disclose
the names of complainants, 11 reports are on file related to Lost Boys Acre, according to
information provided by New Brighton City Manager Dean Lotter.
Some six reports have been filed with police.
Only once were the women found to be in violation of city code, when a vehicle was parked
on an unapproved surface, according to city records.
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New Brighton backyard farm sows seeds of discord - TwinCities.com Page 3 of 4
"Part of the problem here is perspective," Jacobsen said. "City staff don't have a calibrated
nose to tell what the degree of odor is or how noisy it is at all hours.... There's a lot of gray
area here."
OTHER ISSUES?
To Kellis, the lack of violations is proof the Parrotts' beef with her and her housemates goes
deeper. She suspects the couple's real issue is their non-nuclear family and religious beliefs.
Two of the women practice paganism. Kellis says she follows "Earth -based spirituality."
Kellis points to a time when Gerry Parrott called police claiming a garden statue on the Lost
Boys Acre property was an attempt by the women to "point demons at her," Kellis said.
"They won't give us one specific thing we can do differently.... I can negotiate with a specific
problem, but they won't give me one," Kellis said. "They just hate us."
While acknowledging his wife's comment showed "ignorance," Bob Parrott said allegations
of bias are attempts to distract from the real issue.
"We're talking about backyard farming and what is reasonable for a residential area," Parrott
said. "We're not opposed to it altogether, but to have 20 laying hens, a rooster, plus ducks,
quail and turkeys seems way beyond what one household needs. They're basically running
a large poultry business."
A mediation attempt between the neighbors last winter was unsuccessful. Each side claims
the majority of other residents in the neighborhood support them.
Other neighbors surveyed by the Pioneer Press were split.
"They have a lot going on there, but it seems clean and well cared for," said Chuck Hoffman,
who lives down the street. "They're raising healthy food, which is hard to get at grocery
stores these days."
"It's easy to be OK with it if you don't live next door," said Nancy Nygaard, another
neighborhood resident. "I wouldn't want them as my neighbor. They've got too many things
going on that don't belong in this area."
The women's other next-door neighbor couldn't be reached for comment.
ELSEWHERE
The city does not expect the task force to solve the dispute, Lotter said.
"If the council passes no ordinance and chooses not to regulate anything, the conflict will
continue. If the council adopts something very draconian ... the conflict will continue. There
is no way to legislate an answer for people who don't want to get along," the city manager
said.
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Instead, the hope is the task force will help head off future problems with what is seen as a
growing trend in urban communities, Lotter said.
Members will spend the winter studying the issue with hopes of making recommendations to
the city council in the spring.
Cities across the metro area have approached the subject differently.
Some -- Blaine, White Bear Lake and Coon Rapids -- ban keeping chickens. Shoreview
allows up to four birds on properties smaller than 2 acres. Maplewood permits 10 with a
permit as long as 100 percent of neighbors are on board. St. Paul requires 75 percent of
neighbors sign off, though it places no cap on the number of chickens allowed. Minneapolis
also regulates raising chickens.
It's possible New Brighton will keep urban farming unrestricted, said Char Samuelson, a city
council member.
"Who knows? We need to study it and see what our residents want," Samuelson said.
Other council members did not respond to calls for comment.
Neither the Parrotts nor the women from Lost Boys Acre were allowed on the task force, a
decision Kellis said shows bias on the city's part.
Both sides will watch what happens closely.
"A part of me is excited because this could allow for a really progressive conversation about
food policy that could make New Brighton a leader," Kellis said. "But it worries me that the
council's goal is regulation and they want to specifically target chickens."
Bob Parrott said he hopes restrictions are coming; otherwise, he says he and his wife will
move.
"We're both 70 years old. How many years do we have left and what kind of enjoyment are
we getting out of a place if we continuously have the issue of noise and the occasional
smell?" he said.
Lost Boys Acre will be around regardless of the outcome, Kellis said.
"If every time someone tried to do something new ... they just walked away when it got hard,
we would never have change," Kellis said. "Someone has to stand up to bullies."
"I'd say we're the ones being bullied," Bob Parrott said.
Sarah Horner can be reached at 651-228-5539. Follow her at twitter.com/hornsarah.
http://www.twincities.comlramseycounty/ci_241533 88/new-brighton-suburban-backyard-f... 2/19/2014
StarTribune - Print Page
StatTribune
More Twin Cities suburbs are growing
sweet on bees
Article by. Kelly Smith
Star Tribune
January 21, 2014 - 7 49 AM
More bees are moving to the 'burbs
As buzz builds over the popular hobby and the dramatic worldwide
do -of of bees, more than two dozen metro -area titres, Including
Minnetonka, Bocimington and Stillwater, are allowing back -yard
beekeeping
On Tuesday, Eden Praline is expected to be the latest city to
approve it And in Chanhassen, beekeeping classes are filling up,
like one next month that's sold out to nearly 200 people interested
in starting the hobby
"The number of people doing it now Is surprising," said Gary
Reuter, who helps teach classes at the Minnesota Landscape
Arboreturn and run the University of Minnesota's Bee Lab 'People
want to do their part to help [bees], and some of it is the back -to -
nature thinlung "
Scientists say a worldwide phenomenon known as colony collapse
disorder is affecting bees, which are dying at a rate of 35 percent a
year That news, along with the movement to produce food locally,
has Increased interest in beekeeping
Minneapolis and St Paul were among the first titles here to allow
it Now rooftops from Minneapolis City Hall to downtown hotels
host hives
The trend has spread to suburbs. but demand so far has been
moderate Stillwater has Issued six permits for residential beekeep-
ing since allowing it about a year ago, no complaints have come
up. In the north metro, Circle Pines started allowing residential
beekeeping last July, but has had no applications yet. And Sl Paul
Park has issued one permit since passing a beekeeping ordnance
almost a year ago
Beekeeping is gaining in popularity in response to colony
collapse reports
RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER • Slar Tnbum foe,
Bees come and go from a bee hive in West Bath Maine
Pat Wellenbach • Associated Press,
Not all tales allow beekeeping Solite residents are wncerned
about swarms or allergic reactions to bee stings
Other suburbs either don't have a specific, Ordinance on CARLOS GONZALEZ • Star Tribune ftle
beekeeping, outwardly prohibit it or restrict hives to rural proper-
ties
Carrying on a treditton
That's the case in Eden Prairie, which currently limits beekeeping to rural areas Resident Chris Endres obbled for an
ordinance change
His grandfather and father passed on the beekeeping hobby to him, and now he's sharing it with his 17 -year-old daughter,
both entering homemade honey in State Fahr contests But since he hasn't been allowed to keep the hives in his
neighborhood, he's housed them at his cabin and at a trend's house in neighboring Minnetonka
'It's kind of like being a wine connoisseur; said Endres, who has tasting parties to show off his Minnetonka -made honey
The proposed city ordinance to be discussed Tuesday has specific limitations, such as the colony size, and beekeepers have
to register with police so neighbors can be notified Jim Schedin, the city's zoning administrator, estimates a half-dozen
residents will end up registering with the city
'I've seen an uptick in merest," he said "We have bees to our east and bees to our north They're really everywhere'
Mixed reaction
Not everyone Is supportive though
The sticking point for most people bee swarths bothering neighbors or affecting residents with allergies Some cities,
Including Edina, prohibit beekeeping In Eden Prairie, Council Member Kathy Nelson was the tone opponent, saying that the
hobby shouldn't negatively impact residents who have bee allergies, such as her daughter
'I don't see the overwhelming need to have a change, and it could have an extreme consequence for some families in town,'
she sad 'It doesn't seem like something your next-door neighbor in a suburb would do I would never have purchased a
home 0 1 knew bees were next door'
Proponents like Endres say they understand concerns, but said that honeybees are often mistaken for hornets, wasps and
yellow jackets. which are more likely to sting He said he hopes allowing beekeeping will Increase knowledge about
honeybees and help show their benefits
'It really brings a lot of public awareness and sensitivity," he said "I dust don't think its a problem '
Kelly Smith • 612673-4141 Twitter Ckellystnb
Page 1 of 2
http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=241221411 1/22/2014
Council Work Session Minutes
February 24, 2014
Page -5-
Dan Licht of The Planning Company stated that the requirement for an administrative permit
adds an enforcement tool for staff. Davis agrees that people should be able to do what they want
with their property to a certain extent but also agrees with staff's recommendation to allow this
use with an administrative permit to help regulate. Boarders would be limited to two and must
rent for at least 30 days. Licht explained that the 30 day minimum provides a homeowner an
opportunity for a non -family rental as a secondary income.
Anderson asked if this would affect home trades and
amendment to restrict these activities. He believes "1
in the ordinance. Licht stated that other provisions c
programs from this amendment. Anderson asked fo
about
LaBeau asked about short-term temporary housing needfd�
apply if the room was being turned over in less
"family" might also come into the situation ijA
support incidental rental of
rental of single family
He believes the amaai
does not want the
:e clearly defined
t exchange
transit. '?Ws -would only
e.d that the definition of
s intent is
existing neighbors.
is too broad. He would
t long-term commercial
t sufficient to not allow nightly
B&Bs in proper zoning with a CUP.
Swecker supports the
consequence, clarifies other language in the
L)r the homeowners and the neighbors.
t to eliminate foreign exchange or home trades, but to provide
ver, he believes that further definition and clarifications could
exchange student or a situation where the family receives
Licht believes the exception for foster care in the
, an additional exception could be added.
Council directed staff to continue to review and refine the language of the proposed ordinance
and to allow the Planning Commission an opportunity to review revisions before bringing the
amendment back to Council.
6. Chickens in Residential Zones
Council received information from Associate Planner Frank Dempsey outlining the question of
allowing residents to have chickens in an urban area, a topic which has come up for discussion
Council Work Session Minutes
February 24, 2014
Page -6-
several times previously. Farm animals including chickens, goats, horses, bees, etc. are currently
only allowed in agricultural zoned areas, which are generally larger in size and where there is less
potential to impact a neighborhood. The Planning Commission's most recent discussion about
this was in 2011 when they reviewed several zoning ordinance items based on feedback from the
developers' forum. At that time the Planning Commission chose not to recommend a change.
Mayor Little stated that he has received requests to allow chickens in residential areas mostly as a
learning tool for children, as pets, and for urban farming. An
support for allowing chickens, and the Mayor would supe
only, not roosters - with some guidelines.
Council Member Anderson would also support up tol
eggs being for personal consumption only and not for
Swecker asked if there are regulations on rabbits or du
and would be a farm animal, but rabbits could be_&&
structure. Swecker would support a maxis
on premises and produce is for their own
concerned about use of police resources
chickens. Little wants the ordinancAto be
neighbors' rights to enjoy their
Council Member Davis is no
up requests for other consi
will discuss this with cauimuni
for the PON
ibly at the A
7. Parks, Trails
with
4cated stronger
two chickens - hens
that ducll�'�re poultry
tined in the principle
Wwner must reside
ber LaBeau is
created by dogs and
ckens do not infringe on
cleanliness and setbacks.
of chickial areas and believes it would open
Ll would to enforce. Council Member LaBeau
ave similar ordinances.
discussion at a future Planning Commission
ance standards, restrictions, etc. and return to
session.
off from the meeting.
Plan
Parks and Recrearector Brett Altergott stated that at the January 21 meeting Council
requested an opport mty to highlight any issues or concerns prior to the Parks, Recreation and
Natural Resources Committee's review of the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan. Dan Licht of
The Planning Company has been working with the committee and staff on the update. Council
is being asked to provide comments and concerns to be used as a basis for the Parks & Rec.
Committee to address issues that are of importance to Council.