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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05A3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: 763.231 .5840 Facsimile: 763.427.0520 TPCTPC,«, Plan ni ngCo. com MEMORANDUM TO: Daryl Morey FROM: Daniel Licht, AICP DATE: 12 June 2014 RE: Lakeville — Zoning Ordinance; Chickens in Residential Districts TPC FILE: 135.01 — 14.01 BACKGROUND The City Council has initiated a review of the keeping of chickens in residential districts based on a number of requests received by Councilmembers as well as the Planning Department. 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 farm animals for pets or as a means of producing food on single family residential lots. Most requests related to chickens are for four to six hens. City staff presented a summary of regulatory issues and performance standards adopted by other Twin Cities Metropolitan Area communities to the City Council at their work session on 24 February 2014. The City Council directed that staff prepare a draft Zoning Ordinance amendment for consideration by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission discussed the survey information prepared by staff at a work session on 20 March 2014 in advance of a formal process to amend the Zoning Ordinance. Exhibits: A. Draft Zoning Ordinance amendment B. Comparison Table of Other Cities Regulations C. 24 February 2014 City Council work session minutes D. 20 March 2014 Planning Commission work session minutes E. Public comments recently submitted to the City ANALYSIS Existing Regulation. The Zoning Ordinance defines chickens as farm animals which are allowed to be kept only on farm properties in the AP, Agricultural Preserve District, RA, Rural Agricultural District or the RAO, Rural Agricultural Overlay District. Community Survey. Associate Planner Frank Dempsey completed extensive research 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. His research 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) on 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. Draft Amendment. 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. Any change to the Zoning Ordinance to allow the keeping of chickens must include regulations to prevent nuisances, protect the health and well-being of the animals, and minimize any potential negative impact to nearby properties. Based on the research prepared by Associate Planner Frank Dempsey and discussion by the City Council and Planning Commission at separate work sessions, City staff has drafted a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment for allowing the keeping of chickens on single family lots as follows: ■ Keeping of chickens upon a single family property would be allowed by administrative permit within the RS -1, RS -2, RS -3, RS -4, RS -CBD, RSMH, RST - 1, RST -2, RM -1, RM -2, RHA and RH-2 Districts. ■ The administrative permit would be valid for one year and eligible for renewal with an application submitted 30 days prior to expiration of the current permit. ■ The owner of the chickens must be an occupant of the property to which the administrative permit is issued. 2 ■ A maximum of two chickens are allowed and roosters are prohibited. The chickens must be kept within a coop from sunset to sunrise to prevent attracting predators and minimize nuisance noise issues. ■ A coop constructed out of wood materials with a minimum of two square feet of area per chicken is required with a maximum size of 120 square feet. An attached run enclosed by fencing must also be provided with a minimum of five square feet of area per chicken and maximum area of 20 square feet. ■ The coop and run must be in a rear yard, setback 20 feet from all lot lines, located closer to the owner's dwelling than any other dwelling, not within a drainage and utility easement, and screened from view of adjacent properties. ■ Feed and waste must be maintained so as not to cause nuisance conditions, attract vermin or create any other risk to public health safety and welfare. ■ Chickens cannot be kept for breeding purposes, eggs cannot be sold and the chickens cannot be slaughtered. ■ The provisions include an inspection requirement allowing the City Community Service Officer, Zoning Administrator or other official access to the property to verify compliance. CONCLUSION A public hearing has been noticed for 19 June 2014 to consider amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow keeping of chickens on single family residential lots by administrative permit. City staff recommends the Planning Commission receive public input and make a recommendation to the City Council. C. Steven Mielke, City Administrator Roger Knutson, City Attorney 3 ORDINANCE NO. CITY OF LAKEVILLE DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 11 OF THE LAKEVILLE CITY CODE RELATED TO THE KEEPING OF CHICKENS. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA ORDAINS: Section 1. Section 11-35-3.0 of the Lakeville City Code (Animals) is hereby amended to read as follows: CO. Farm Animals: 1. The keeping of farm animals in numbers or conditions not defined as an "animal feedlot" is an allowed activity on all farm property and as may be allowed by Section 11-35-3.B and 11-35-3.0 of this Title. 2. Farm animals may not be confined in a pen, feedlot or building within one hundred feet (100') of any residential dwelling not owned or leased by the farmer. 3. Uses defined as animal feedlots shall be regulated by section 11- 35-5 of this chapter. Section 2. Section 11-35-3 of the Lakeville City Code (Animals) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: C. Keeping of Chickens: 1. Administrative Permit Required: a. The keeping of chickens (defined as fowl of the genus Gallus and species Gallus domesticus) may be allowed upon a property developed with a single family dwelling within a residential zoning district subject to approval of an administrative permit in accordance with Section 8 of this Title and the provisions of this Section. 1 EXHIBIT A b. The application for an administrative permit shall include the information required by Section 11-8-3.13 of this Title and the following additional information: (1) The number of chickens to be kept. (2) A detailed sketch plan of the property drawn to scale including, but not limited to, the location and dimensions of the coop and run. (3) Specifications for the coop and run including, but not limited to, dimensions, exterior finish materials and construction methods. (4) Any other information the Zoning Administrator deems necessary to evaluate the application for compliance with the requirements of this Section and the City Code. C. An administrative permit approved in accordance with this Section shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. An application for permit renewal shall be filed not less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the current permit. d. An administrative permit approved in accordance with this Section shall not be transferred to another owner upon the sale change in occupancy of the property to which it is issued and shall not be transferred to another property. 2. Performance Standards: a. The owner of the chickens must occupy the premises for which the administrative permit is issued. b. Chickens: (1) The maximum number of chickens allowed to be kept on a property shall be two (2) chickens. (2) The keeping of roosters is prohibited. C. A structure for housing the chickens herein defined as a coop and outdoor exercise area herein defined as a run shall be provided for the keeping of chickens in accordance with requirements for accessory buildings in Sections 11-18-7 2 and fences in 11-21-5 of this Title and the following requirements: (1) Area: (a) The interior floor space of the coop shall provide a minimum of two (2) square feet for each chicken authorized by the administrative permit. (b) The coop shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet in area. (2) The exterior finish of the coop shall be wood provided that the surfaces are finished for exterior use or the wood is of proven durability for exterior use, such as cedar, redwood or cypress. (3) The coop shall be winterized so as to provide protection for the chickens during winter. (4) A run with sides and overhead fully enclosed by fencing or wire mesh or netting with a minimum area of five (5) square feet and maximum area of twenty (20) square feet per chicken authorized by the administrative permit shall be provided and attached to the coop so as to provide controlled access between the coop and run. (5) The construction of and materials used for the coop and run must be adequate to prevent access by predators and vermin. (6) Location: (a) The coop and run shall be located only within a rear yard as defined by this Title. (b) The coop and run shall be setback a minimum of twenty (20) feet from any lot line. (c) The coop and run shall not be located within a drainage and utility easement. (d) The coop and run shall be located closer to the principal dwelling upon the property to which 3 the administrative permit is issued than any other residential dwelling on an abutting property. (7) Screening from all abutting residentially zoned properties shall be provided in the form of a privacy fence with a minimum height of four (4) feet and subject to Section 11-21-5 of this Title. d. Chickens shall be confined inside of a coop from sunset to sunrise each day to prevent attracting predators and minimize nuisance noise. e. All feed for chickens shall be stored inside of an enclosed structure or within a watertight and vermin proof container. f. Waste: (1) The chicken coop and run shall be kept in a sanitary and odor free condition, including the regular and frequent removal, storage in a leak proof container and proper disposal of any accumulated feces or waste that may create a hazard to public health, safety and welfare. (2) Feces, discarded feed and dead chickens may not be composted or buried upon the property. g. Prohibited Activities: (1) No chicken shall be permitted to roam freely in any area not on the premises to which an administrative permit has been issued in accordance with this Section. (2) Chickens shall not be kept or allowed at any time within a residential dwelling or accessory structure other than a coop allowed by this Section. (3) Eggs from chickens kept upon the property to which the administrative permit is issued are for personal use and consumption by the occupants and shall not be offered for sale or sold. (4) The slaughtering of chickens upon a residential property is prohibited. 4 (5) Chickens shall not be kept for breeding purposes. 3. Administration and Enforcement: a. The administrative permit shall be administered in accordance with Section 11-8-3.D of this Title. b. The premises, including the chicken coop and run, for which a permit is issued in accordance with this Section shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by Community Service Officers, the Zoning Administrator or other City official to determine compliance with the requirements of the permit, this Section or other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and City Code relating to public health, safety and welfare. Section 3. Section 11-50-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RS -1 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: G. Keeping of chickens as regulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 4. Section 11-51-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RS -2 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: G. Keeping of chickens as regulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 5. Section 11-52-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RS -3 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: G. Keeping of chickens as regulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 6. Section 11-53-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RS -4 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: G. Keeping of chickens as regulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 7. Section 11-54-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RS -CBD District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: F. Keeping of chickens as regulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 8. Section 11-55-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RSMH District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: F. Keening of chickens as regulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 9. Section 11-56-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RST -1 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: G. Keeping of chickens accessory to a single family dwelling reaulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 10. Section 11-57-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RST -2 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: G. Keeping of chickens accessory to a single family dwelling reaulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 11. Section 11-58-13 of the Lakeville City Code (RM -1 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: G. Keeping of chickens accessory to a single family dwelling regulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 12. Section 11-59-13 of the Lakeville City Code (RM -2 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: G. Keeping of chickens accessory to a single family dwelling reaulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 13. Section 11-61-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RH-1 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: F. Keening of chickens accessory to a single family dwelling regulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 14. Section 11-62-11 of the Lakeville City Code (RH-2 District Uses by Administrative Permit) is hereby amended to add the following provisions: F. Keeping of chickens accessory to a single family dwelling reaulated by Section 11-35-3.0 of this Title. Section 15. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication. ADOPTED this of Lakeville, Minnesota. ATTEST: day of , 2014, by the City Council of the City CITY OF LAKEVILLE BY: Matt Little, Mayor Charlene Friedges, City Clerk U) LU V LU J CL Q LL O V) 0 Q CL O z 1— g V LU ct EXHIBIT EXHIBIT B o 46 N } :3 upp} Z C C a 0 z L z Z Z Cgp N C N C �m C y= 0 lA O ar mM aa O Q�� p� t O 2 � •+ CL Z� V O 2 - Tr C C O z z z z z z z z L z 2 CL IW c_ N C N Z Z zj6 O z z Z M " �i._ O r0 1� OO CE p QU .•r N � o a a a a a a a a a a a z z z z z z z z z z z z mNNOC N C}�yy�j 0 'OC _ N OAC O r �j N C O O O O X L$ O1 p �+ N O O p N �i C } 0 z z 2 TI: =IT '�� Z �,�$ N� ,� g a o c g 0.0, cc ,� c,Eo �,�°Z c W a E -6 g �i $ v °Jity o a y °�' c c Z z �' 2 w z E.E �� �o y a o Nm�°� n�'i�aci ��b'��i E c c Q .. C tj -0 M c ,r C C W a Ln o E'Ca L C z 2w c 2m�a°� z z x c 0 N 0 8 E Ez ,��.Q Z o c c o �i �� E O. 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Davis agrees that people should be able to do what they want with eir property to a certain extent but also agrees with staffs recommendation to allow this use wi administrative permit to help regulate. Boarders would be limited to two and must rent for at t 30 days. Licht explained that the 30 day minimum provides a homeowner an opportunity a non -family rental as a secondary income. Anderson asked if ' would affect home trades and exchange programs and does not want the amendment to re tri ese activities. He believes "boarding" needs to be more clearly defined in the ordinance. Licht s ed that other provisions of the zoning ordinance exempt exchange programs from this amen t. Anderson asked for information about other cities' ordinances. LaBeau asked about short-term to rary housing needed for people in transit. This would only apply if the room was being turned o r in less than 30 days. Morey stated that the definition of "family" might also come into the situa in rental situations; however the ordinance's intent is to not allow the commercial rental of resi tial homes which would impact existing neighbors. Little stated there are several scenarios that don t and the ordinance is too broad. He would support incidental rental of single-family homes bu of as a consistent long-term commercial business. Anderson believes the current ordinance sh d be sufficient to not allow nightly rental of single family homes when it is already restricte B&Bs in proper zoning with a CUP. He believes the amendment will create unintended consequ ces. Swecker supports the amendment and believes it resolves unintended consequence,es other language in the ordinance, and provides additional protection for the homeowne d the neighbors. Davis stated that it is not the intent to eliminate foreign exchange or hoN trades, but to provide a stronger enforcement tool; however, he believes that further definition clarifications could be added. Mr. Mielke asked if an exchange student or a situation where the ' y receives compensation would be defined as a boarder. Licht believes the exception for fo r care in the ordinance allows for that; however, an additional exception could be added. Council directed staff to continue to review and refine the language of the proposed or ' ce and to allow the Planning Commission an opportunity to review revisions before bringing 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 EXHIBIT C 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 online poll indicated stronger support for allowing chickens, and the Mayor would support allowing up to two chickens - hens only, not roosters - with some guidelines. Council Member Anderson would also support up to two chickens, with standards including eggs being for personal consumption only and not for commercial sale. Council Member Swecker asked if there are regulations on rabbits or ducks. Morey stated that ducks are poultry and would be a farm animal, but rabbits could be a domestic animal if contained in the principle structure. Swecker would support a maximum two chickens (hens) and the owner must reside on premises and produce is for their own consumption only. Council Member LaBeau is concerned about use of police resources to resolve neighbor conflicts created by dogs and chickens. Little wants the ordinance to be written to ensure that chickens do not infringe on neighbors' rights to enjoy their property, including standards for cleanliness and setbacks. Council Member Davis is not in favor of chickens in residential areas and believes it would open up requests for other considerations and would be difficult to enforce. Council Member LaBeau will discuss this with communities which have similar ordinances. Council directed staff to bring this item back for discussion at a future Planning Commission work session for the purpose of drafting performance standards, restrictions, etc. and return to Council, possibly at the April work session. Council Member Anderson signed off from the meeting. =:::PTrails and ar- ks BreAltergott stated that at the January 21 meeting Council requested an opportunity o issues or concerns prior to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee's review o ails and Open Space Plan. Dan Licht of The Planning Company has been working with the commi on the update. Council is being asked to provide comments and concerns to be used as a basis for t i PC. Committee to address issues that are of importance to Council. Planning Commission Work Seamon MIndes - Manch 20, 2014 Chickens in Residential Districts Page 2 Frank Dempsey indicated that City staff has received numerous requests over the past few years to allow the keeping of chickens in residential zoning districts. He stated that the City Council discussed allowing chickens in residential districts at their February 20 work session and referred the item to the Planning Commission for discussion. The City Council's intent is that City staff will draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow chickens in residential zoning districts for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council. He stated that chickens are defined in the Zoning Ordinance as a farm animal and are allowed on farm properties in agricultural zoning districts. He described the research he has conducted of other area cities that are similar to Lakeville (the research findings are listed in Mr. Dempsey's March 14"' memo to the Planning Commission). Six of the seven Planning Commission members are opposed to allowing chickens in residential districts because it could create land use conflicts. They stated that the keeping of chickens is more appropriate in a rural setting than it is in an urban area. They indicated that Lakeville is unique and they don't think we should allow chickens in residential districts just because some of other cities are allowing them. Commissioner Grenz stated if chickens are allowed in residential zoning districts the performance standards should include a minimum setback from an adjoining house as well as coop size and setbacks. Daryl stated that there has been increased interest in the establishment of brewpubs, oms and micro -breweries in the Twin Cities area since state legislation was passed in allowing these types of uses. The legislation allows breweries to sell pints of beer for sumption on the premises instead of the beer wholly being shipped out for consume off the premises. He stated that these uses combine the manufacturing of beer, esse an industrial use, with the on-site sale of beer, with or without food, which is more of a U use. Since brewpubs and taprooms are not specifically currently identified in the ng Ordinance, Planning Department and Community and Economic Development artment staff are recommending the City consider an ordinance amendment to address se uses before a request is received from a potential business to locate in Lakeville. P ing Commission comments: • Concern was expressed about the potential for odo m the beer manufacturing process to impact adjacent residential us • Concern was expressed about potential accessory uses, like bands, and their compatibility with adjacent residential uses. • The use seems more appropriate when food sales are included (like ite City in Eagan). Suggested using kitchen size or number of seats as a food se requirement instead of gross sales receipts when allowed in a commercial zo district. EXHIBIT D Dempsey, Frank From: Brevig, Penny Sent: Monday, June 09, 2014 1:35 PM To: Dempsey, Frank Subject: FW: Chicken ordinance comments/questions Penny Brevig Planning & Economic Development Administrative Assistant (952) 985-4420 -----Original Message ----- From: City of Lakeville website[mailto:webinfo@ci.lakeville.mn.us] Sent: Monday, June 09, 2014 9:52 AM To: Brevig, Penny Subject: Chicken ordinance comments/questions Name: Street Address: 20755 Junco Trail City: Lakeville Phone: E-mail address: daleandjeanne@hotmail.com Comments: I'm just weighing in on this because I think it will hurt our city's image. Please don't allow chickens on single family home properties unless there is a certain acreage available to separate from neighbors... like maybe 2.5 acres. Protect Lakeville's image! EXHIBIT E Dempsey, Frank From: Brevig, Penny Sent: Monday, June 09, 2014 1:36 PM To: Dempsey, Frank Subject: FW: Chicken ordinance comments/questions Penny Brevig Planning & Economic Development Administrative Assistant (952) 985-4420 -----Original Message ----- From: City of Lakeville website[mailto:webinfo@ci.lakeville.mn.us] Sent: Friday, June 06, 2014 3:46 PM To: Brevig, Penny Subject: Chicken ordinance comments/questions Name: Pam Arntson Street Address: 16757 Fieldcrest Avenue City: Farmington, 55024 Phone: E-mail address: pamarntson@msn.com Comments: Even though I have a Farmington mailing address, I am a resident of Lakeville. (We live in what I call the Bermuda Triangle of Lakeville - ISD 196 schools, AV phone number exchange, Farmington mailing address, but City of Lakeville for taxes, etc.) I am all for legalizing chickens in Lakeville. Please pass the amendment to allow single family homes to have backyard chickens. From: Web Inquiry [mailto:webinfo@ci.lakeville.mn.us] Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 1:20 PM To: Laun, Barbara Subject: Question/comment sent from the City website Name: Mamie VonWald E-mail: marnievwAfrontiernet.net Phone: 952-220-4018 Your message: Please allow backyard chickens in Lakeville. Thank you. Barbara Laun Web Communications Specialist (952) 985-4406 Morey, Daryl From: Laun, Barbara Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 3:38 PM To: Morey, Daryl; Dempsey, Frank Subject: FW: Question/comment sent from the City website FYI... From: Web Inquiry (ma iIto: webinfo@ci.lakeville.mn.us] Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 1:42 PM To: Laun, Barbara Subject: Question/comment sent from the City website Name: Laura Ubl E-mail: ubl.lauraagmail.com Phone: Your message: I AM CONTACTING YOU TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I DO NOT WANT CHICKENS IN LAKEVILLE. I think the only people who want them didn't grow up with them. They're dirty, noisy (hens make a lot of noise too) and when they get into my neighborhood, I will move. I have lived and payed taxes here for 27 years. There are other ways to teach children about productive animals. These are animals, not toys. Barbara Laun Web Communications Specialist (952) 985-4406 Dempsey, Frank From: Jim McCarty <jimm535674@hotmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 2:31 PM To: Morey, Daryl Cc: Dempsey, Frank Subject: concern for bees and chickens As discussed... I strongly advocate the promotion of limited beekeeping and the allowance of Chickens(no roosters fine)in the city of Lakeville. Please add me to the list of " concerned residents" and keep me informed of discussions and or forums. I would be happy to help out in any way needed. Jim McCarty cell 952-454-0403 Morey, Daryl From: Hawkins, Judi Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 1:53 PM To: Mielke, Steven; Morey, Daryl Subject: FW: Chickens in Lakeville Judi Hawkins Executive Administrative Assistant/Deputy Clerk (952) 985-4403 From: Sue Braaten [mailto:braatenhome@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 1:25 PM To: WEB CouncilInfo Email Subject: Chickens in Lakeville Dear Lakeville City Council, Thank you so much for taking the time to discuss backyard chickens in Lakeville. I am thrilled that you are considering to allow us to keep up to two hens. While this is a great opportunity for our children to learn more about where their food comes from and how to properly care for chickens. Two hens are not enough to benefit a small family with their eggs. Two hens depending on their breed would supply at most about 5-6 eggs per week. So about enough for one breakfast per week. And in the fall and winter months it would be even less, maybe 1-2 eggs a week. I know my family of five uses about 2 dozen eggs a week. Also chickens are very social animals. They like to be around other chickens. If you only had two birds and one fell ill or died, it would leave your remaining bird all alone. It is my recomendation that Lakeville allow up to five hens.( same as Burnsville ordinance) This would give indviduals and families the opportunity to produce the amount of eggs they need. And as stated in the Thisweek paper, there have been no complaints on this number of birds in Burnsville. Again thank you for your consideration on this issue. Sincerely, Sue Braaten Morey, Daryl From: Hawkins, Judi Sent: Monday, March 03, 2014 4:03 PM To: Mielke, Steven; Morey, Daryl Subject: FW: Chickens Judi Hawkins Executive Administrative Assistant/Deputy Clerk (952) 985-4403 -----Original Message ----- From: Karen Benson fmailto:karen.brett.benson@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 03, 2014 3:54 PM To: WEB Councillnfo Email Subject: Chickens Hello Council Members, I read the article in the Lakeville Sun/Thisweek newspaper regarding the possible legalization of chickens in residential neighborhoods and am concerned. I live on Woodland Road right behind Red Fox Tavern. My neighbor has chickens- lots of them. They are noisy and smelly and dirty. Our neighbor also has roosters. We have been working with Scott County zoning department to take care of this violation for over a year. They get rid of a couple roosters, hide the rest, hatch more... the understaffed with bigger problems county people do not check on them, cycle continues, etc. My concern is that this is only one family breaking the rules and no one is stopping them. Our city is busy enough with dangerous crime - why add one more thing to their plate. I would be so upset if I lived on less than an acre land and had to smell and hear chickens next door- gross. I am dealing with this and have over 2 acres. If people want to raise farm animals they should live on land zoned agricultural. Mayor Little stated "the policy should be strict enough so neighbors do not infringe on each other's ability to enjoy their property." Sorry- you cannot regulate foul odor and hen's clucking. Council Members Colleen La Beau and Bart Davis you are right to oppose- please stand up for me and my neighbors that do not live on agricultural land and do not want to. Thank you for your time, Karen Benson 952-836-5675 Lakeville, MN