HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 09
Date: May 15, 2017 Item No. _____
MIKAYLA RAINES INTERIM USE PERMIT
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve the revocation of Interim
Use Permit No. 16-04 and adopt the findings of fact for revocation.
Overview
On April 14, 2017, the City Council directed the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing
to consider the revocation of the Mikayla Raines interim use permit allowing her to keep up to
three foxes on property located at 12110 – 210th Street. The City Council was presented with
information concerning violation with the conditions of the interim use permit.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 4, 2017. Several people spoke at the
public hearing. There were also email comments submitted that were included with the Planning
Commission packet via an on-line link. Based on the materials and testimony submitted, the
Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend revocation of the permit.
Primary Issues to Consider
• What are the City Council’s options on this agenda item?
1) Move to revoke the Interim Use Permit and adopt the findings of fact consistent with the
Planning Commission’s recommendation, or
2) Move to deny revocation of the interim use permit, thus giving Mikayla Raines another
chance to comply with the conditions of the interim use permit.
Supporting Information
• Findings of Fact for revocation of Interim Use Permit No. 16-04
• May 4, 2017 draft Planning Commission meeting minutes
• April 28, 2017 planning report
Financial Impact: $ None Budgeted: Y☐ N☐ Source: ______________________________
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): Zoning Ordinance ________________________________________________
Notes: Envision Lakeville Community Values: Safety Throughout the Community___________________________
Report Completed by: Frank Dempsey, AICP, Associate Planner_________________________________________
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CITY OF LAKEVILLE
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
IN RE:
REVOCATION OF INTERIM FINDINGS OF FACT
USE PERMIT NO. 16-04 AND DECISION
On May 15, 2017, the Lakeville City Council met at its regularly scheduled meeting to
consider revocation of Mikayla Raines’ Interim Use Permit No. 16-04. The Planning Commission
held a public hearing on the revocation at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 4, 2017 and
unanimously recommended revocation of the Interim Use Permit. Mikayla Raines and the Property
Owner were provided advance written notice of the hearing at the Planning Commission meeting
and were provided an opportunity to speak at the meeting.
The City Council considered the following information on the proposal: Materials and
reports provided by City Staff, narrative and other materials submitted by Mikayla Raines,
information from the Public Hearing and Planning Commission meeting of May 4, 2017 including
the City Staff report and recommendation, emails from the public, heard testimony from all
interested persons wishing to speak, and, based upon its knowledge of the property and the
community, now makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Sandi Raines, Trustee of the Sandi J. Raines Family Trust, is the owner of the
property located at 12110 – 210th Street West, Lakeville, Minnesota 55044 and legally described as:
That part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 35, Township 114,
Range 21, according to the Government Survey thereof, lying west of the East 329.50 feet of
said Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and lying east of the following described
line: Beginning at a point on the north line of said Northeast Quarter of the Northwest
Quarter, distant 657.67 feet east of the northwest corner of said Northeast Quarter of the
Northwest Quarter; thence southerly parallel to the west line of said Northeast Quarter of the
Northwest Quarter, to the south line of said Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, and
there terminating.
(“Property”).
2. The Property is zoned RA, Rural Agricultural and the primary use is residential.
3. In 2015, Mikayla Raines, a resident of the property, came into possession of foxes
and installed an animal enclosure without first receiving approval of an interim use permit and
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administrative permit for the keeping of foxes and an animal enclosure exceeding 120 square feet
on the Property.
4. In January 2016, a City building inspector discovered the foxes on the Property in
response to an inquiry about a building being constructed near the south line of the Property.
Mikayla Raines was notified of the violation concerning the keeping of animals on the Property.
5. Section 11-47-5(G) of the Lakeville City Code provides that the “keeping of animals
subject to chapter 35 of this title” is a permitted accessory use in the rural agricultural district.
6. Zoning Ordinance Section 11-35-3D of the Lakeville City Code provides as follows:
With the exception of the keeping of animals allowed by subsections A, B and C of
this section, no other animals are allowed except by interim use permit as regulated
under the provisions of Chapter 5 of this Title.
Subsection A provides for the keeping of house pets, but excludes domesticated wild animals.
Subsection B refers to the keeping of horses. Subsection C provides for the keeping of farm
animals. Foxes are considered domesticated wild animals that do not fall into any of the three
categories provided under 11-35-3D.
7. Thereafter, Mikayla Raines applied for an Interim Use Permit for the keeping of
foxes on the Property. As part of her application materials, Mikayla Raines indicated she would not
keep more than 3 foxes on the Property.
8. The City Council approved Interim Use Permit No. 16-04 (“Interim Use Permit”) for
the keeping of foxes on the Property, which Interim Use Permit was issued on April 4, 2016.
9. In addition to other conditions, the Interim Use Permit provided the following:
• A maximum of three foxes may be kept on the [Property].
• An Administrative Permit application shall be submitted for the animal enclosure
that is more than 120 square feet in area.
• The keeping of all animals shall be compliant with the Zoning Ordinance
requirements.
• The interim use permit may be revoked for cause upon determination that the
authorized interim use is not in conformance with the conditions of the permit or
is in continued violation of Lakeville City Code or other applicable regulations.
10. The Interim Use Permit also provided that “The City may revoke the permit
following a public hearing for violation of the terms of the permit.”
11. Following the approval of the Interim Use Permit, City staff approved an
administrative permit for an animal enclosure to keep the foxes in a single enclosure approximately
140 square feet in area. An animal enclosure larger than 120 square feet requires approval of an
administrative permit under 11-18-7(E)(4).
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12. City staff conducted two inspections of the Property, after receiving public
complaints and reviewing various news and social media reports that Mikayla Raines was in
violation of the terms of the Interim Use Permit by having more than 3 foxes on the Property.
13. On June 22, 2016, City Staff arranged for an inspection of the Property with Mikayla
Raines. During the inspection, City Staff observed two foxes in the pen and one on a leash in the
front yard. When asked how many foxes she had on the Property, Mikayla Raines replied “four.”
City Staff reminded Mikayla Raines that her Interim Use Permit permitted no more than 3 foxes on
the Property. Mikayla Raines indicated that the fourth fox was temporary and would be gone in a
few days.
14. On March 10, 2017, Associate Planner Frank Dempsey inspected the Property with
the permission of Mikayla Raines. Mr. Dempsey observed at least 5 foxes on the Property.
Another fox belonging to Mikayla Raines had been missing for some weeks at that time. Mr.
Dempsey again reminded Mikayla Raines that her Interim Use Permit limited her to 3 foxes.
Mikayla Raines asked how the Interim Use Permit could be amended to allow more than three
foxes. Mr. Dempsey indicated that she would have to apply for an amendment to the Interim Use
Permit.
15. As part of the inspection of the Property on March 10, 2017, staff verified that the
animal enclosure measures approximately 40 feet x 50 feet in area. Inside the enclosure were five
foxes including four new pen enclosures.
16. At the public hearing before the Planning Commission, Mikayla Raines admitted that
she had more than 3 foxes on the Property, and that she desired to accept additional foxes from fur
farms and breeders to provide a fox sanctuary.
17. Section 11-5-7 of the Zoning Ordinance states that an interim use shall terminate on
the happening of any of the following events, whichever occurs first:
A. The date or event stated in the Permit.
B. Upon violation of conditions under which the permit was issued.
C. Upon change in the City’s zoning regulations which renders the use nonconforming.
18. At its regular City Council meeting on April 17, 2017, the City Council directed the
Planning Commission to schedule a public hearing to evaluate the status of the Interim Use Permit
and possible revocation based on the inspections performed by City Staff concerning the violations
of the Interim Use Permit.
19. Following the public hearing on May 4, 2017, the Planning Commission determined
that Mikayla Raines was in violation of the terms of the Interim Use Permit concerning the number
of foxes allowed on the Property and recommended revocation of the Interim Use Permit.
20. The Interim Use Permit and all materials presented to the Planning Commission at
the public hearing on this matter are incorporated herein by reference.
DECISION
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1. Interim Use Permit No. 16-04 is hereby revoked.
2. All foxes must be removed from the Property within 30 days.
Dated: _____________________, 2017.
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
BY: ______________________________
Douglas P. Anderson, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Charlene Friedges, City Clerk
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, May 4, 2017 Page 6
• Infiltration and stormwater management on the property was discussed. They
are meeting the City requirements. The proposed development will not impact
the trees along Lee Lake.
Motion was made by Lillehei, seconded by Einck to recommend to City Council
approval of the following, located west of I-35 and south of 162nd Street (CSAH 46):
A. Preliminary plat of three lots and one outlot to be known as Lee Lake Subdivision;
B. Conditional use permit for a planned shoreland development; C. Amendment to the
Jackson Landscaping planned unit development (PUD), and development stage PUD
plans for a 120 dwelling unit multiple family building and a 62,400 square foot self-
storage facility; and D. Vacation of a public drainage and utility easement (Document
No. 3023214) and a public drainage, utility and sloping easement (Document No.
1107262), subject to the seven stipulations listed below:
1. The submitted plans and applications shall be subject to review by the DNR.
2. The developer shall provide the ingress/egress and cross parking and utility
easements over drive-aisles, surface parking stalls and private utilities within Lots
1-3, Block 1.
3. Construction of the future retail building on Lot 1, Block 1 shall be subject to PUD
Development Stage Plan approval.
4. All grading, drainage, erosion control, and storm water management issues are
subject to review and approval of the City Engineer.
5. All utility issues are subject to review and approval of the city Engineer
6. Park dedication requirements shall be satisfied as a cash fee in lieu of land in
accordance with Section 10-4-8 of the Subdivision Ordinance and the 2017 Fee
Schedule.
7. The existing billboard within the subject site shall be removed from the subject site
consistent with Zoning Ordinance requirements prior to the issuance of any
building permits.
Ayes: Einck, Lillehei, Swenson, Kaluza, Reuvers, Drotning, Bakewicz
Nays: 0
Mr. Morey thanked the development team and agreed with Commissioner Lillehei that
the development team conducted an excellent neighborhood meeting.
7. Mikayla Raines
Chair Swenson opened the public hearing to consider the revocation of Interim Use
Permit (IUP) No. 16-04 issued to Mikayla Raines for the keeping of up to three (3)
foxes pursuant to Chapter 11-35-3.D of the Lakeville City Code, located at 12110 –
210th Street.
Chair Swenson explained the purpose of this public hearing and the purview of the
Planning Commission in regard to this agenda item. Based on the findings, the
Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council. The Planning
Commission will not review or determine whether a fox sanctuary on this property is
appropriate.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, May 4, 2017 Page 7
Chair Swenson explained that individual comments should be kept to three minutes,
and asked that people do not repeat what has already been said. He asked those in
attendance to please refrain from clapping or interrupting the person speaking. He
added that negative remarks about City staff or the Planning Commission will not be
tolerated.
Mikayla Raines and her sister, Jennifer Swanson, presented an overview of why she
felt that Mikayla should be able to keep foxes on her property. Ms. Raines stated that
her IUP that was approved last year states that she can have three foxes, and right
now she has more than three. Ms. Swanson stated that rescuing foxes and teaching
children at the schools about foxes and fur farms is something that Mikayla is
extremely passionate about. She wants to have a sanctuary on the property and she
wants to dedicate her life to rescuing animals. She has her USDA license and has
constructed enclosures for these foxes consistent with USDA requirements. Mikayla
is continually being contacted to take in more foxes. Ms. Swanson stated that Mikayla
is contributing to the community in great ways. She is asking to be able to continue
to bring foxes to her property, save them from being destroyed, and then find good
homes for them. Ms. Raines apologized for not limiting the amount of foxes she keeps
to three. At the time the IUP was approved, she was not aware of the fur farms and
now she wants to be able to save the foxes when she can.
Associate Planner Frank Dempsey presented the planning report. Mr. Dempsey
stated that Mikayla Raines proposed and had received approval of an interim use
permit (IUP) on April 4, 2016 allowing her to keep up to three foxes on the property.
Through public notifications, news reports, social media sites, and two site
inspections, staff documented that there are more than three foxes being kept on the
property. Ms. Raines has indicated to staff and on social media sites that she has
obtained baby foxes that she raises as well as other domestic house pets and wild
animals that may be injured or have other needs.
Mr. Dempsey reviewed the conditions of the approved IUP. The approved IUP does
not allow the keeping of any wild or exotic animals other than foxes. He reviewed the
Zoning Ordinance requirements for the keeping of animals in the City. He pointed out
that the Zoning Ordinance states an IUP shall terminate upon violation of the
conditions under which the permit was issued.
Mr. Dempsey identified other violations on the subject property, which are listed in the
April 28, 2017 planning report.
Following the approval of the IUP, City staff approved an administrative permit to keep
the foxes in a single enclosure approximately 140 square feet in area. The enclosure
had been installed prior to obtaining City approval of the administrative permit. An
inspection took place on March 10, 2017 where staff noticed a much larger
(approximately ¼ acre) second enclosure had been installed without administrative
permit approval. Inside this enclosure, which included four new pen enclosures, there
were five foxes.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, May 4, 2017 Page 8
City staff has confirmed that Mikayla Raines was issued a USDA permit to be a
commercial dealer and exhibitor of foxes, but Ms. Raines is unwilling to provide staff
with a copy of the permit. The current license will expire on June 17, 2017 unless it is
renewed by the USDA.
Mr. Dempsey commented on the number of e-mails that have been sent to the City
mostly in support of Ms. Raines keeping the animals for fear the animals will be killed
or sent to fur farms. Mr. Dempsey stressed that the purpose of tonight’s agenda item
is strictly related to compliance with the conditions of the approved IUP.
Mr. Dempsey stated that in consideration of the history of non-compliance with the
conditions of the IUP approved in 2016 and because of the kind-hearted and caring
nature of Ms. Raines and her willingness to accept more than three foxes of any age
plus wild or exotic animals not allowed by the approved IUP or by the Zoning
Ordinance, the ability to enforce the conditions of the IUP and Zoning Ordinance
requirements will be an on-going and time consuming staff effort.
Planning Department staff is recommending that the Planning Commission review the
April 28, 2017 planning report and make a determination as to whether there is
justification to revoke IUP 16-04 for repeated violation of the terms of the permit.
Chair Swenson opened the hearing to the public for comment.
The following people spoke at the public hearing:
Jordan Van Osdel, 15551 Dunraven Trail, Apple Valley
Steve and Lynn Brekke, 20880 Laredo Path, Lakeville
Mikayla Raines, 12110 – 210th Street, Lakeville
Sandi Raines, 12245 – 125th Street, Lakeville
Devon Thomas Treadwell, 3075 - 119th St. W. Faribault
Tyler Kistner, 4885 Dominica Way, Apple Valley
Russell Olson, 12150 – 210th Street, Lakeville
Garrett Lampert, 14437 CR 35, Elk River
Jim McCarty, 17477 Goodland Path
Sheila Schwartz, 732 - 15th Street SE, Owatonna
Kevin Wilken, Animal Care Inspector with the USDA
John Vaughn, 1670 Mallard Drive, Eagan
Regina Goncharenko, 18057 Everglade Court, Farmington
Mitchel Rowlands, 20079 Ideal Way, Lakeville
Coty Palmer, 11975 – 84th Avenue, Maple Grove
Comments made from the audience:
• Questioned the validity of the IUP?
• Should consider amending or nullifying the IUP.
• Thought with the proper licensing from the City of Lakeville, Ms. Raines would
be able to keep the foxes.
• Because the subject property is zoned permanent rural agricultural, this is a
good use of the property.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, May 4, 2017 Page 9
• Foxes are domesticated farm animals, not wild animals.
• Keeping the foxes contained on her property seems to be a problem.
• A neighbor commented on the urine smell from the foxes.
• Foxes are a lot quieter than dogs, they don’t bark.
• Suggested that Ms. Raines become a veterinarian if she wants to work with
animals.
• Are three foxes a realistic number? Could the number of foxes be adjusted?
• Nice to have so many people united on one topic.
• A USDA official shared with the Planning Commission what getting a USDA
license entails.
• We have a rare opportunity to save foxes that would otherwise be destroyed at
the fur farms.
• Should reach a compromise with the City so Ms. Raines can keep more than
three foxes.
• Ms. Raines explained that the expanded enclosure fencing was a requirement
of her USDA license.
• Ms. Raines helps special needs children through interaction with the foxes.
• Should determine if keeping foxes on the subject property is impacting the
Vermillion River Watershed District.
Motion was made by Drotning, seconded by Reuvers to close the public hearing
at 7:59 p.m.
Voice vote was taken on the motion. Ayes – unanimous
Recess at 8:00 p.m.
Reconvened at 8:10 p.m.
Chair Swenson asked for comments from the Planning Commission. Discussion
points included:
• Chair Swenson thanked everyone in the audience for their comments and the
respect everyone has shown. He reiterated the Planning Commission’s
purpose related to this agenda item.
• The City Attorney summarized the Zoning Ordinance requirements for the
keeping of animals. She stated the City can be more restrictive than the USDA
requirements. The applicant must follow the City’s Zoning Ordinance
requirements.
• The City of Lakeville allows up to three dogs. If you have more, then you need
a kennel permit and they are only allowed in the agricultural districts by IUP.
• Compliance with the approved IUP is the key to this discussion and Ms. Raines,
by her own admission, has not been in compliance with the IUP.
• The Planning Commission asked Ms. Raines if she has the desire to comply
with the IUP? Ms. Raines indicated that two of the foxes are hers. The others
are being sponsored. The rescuing of foxes is completely different from what
she was originally asking for with her IUP.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, May 4, 2017 Page 10
• The Planning Commission made it clear that they are not experts on the
keeping of foxes. They are volunteers that help develop Zoning Ordinance
requirements, and make recommendations to the City Council.
• The Planning Commission is inspired by the number of people that come to
public hearings and help educate the Planning Commission on topics like foxes
and bee keeping.
• The Planning Commission reiterated that tonight’s public hearing is to
determine if Ms. Raines is following the conditions of her approved IUP.
Tonight’s public hearing is not to consider an amendment to the IUP to allow
more than three foxes to be kept.
Chair Swenson allowed Ms. Raines and her mother, Sandi Raines, to come to
the podium to explain that Mikayla keeps the baby foxes for a limited amount
of time, she bottle feeds them for approximately 10 weeks and actively starts
to find homes for the babies shortly thereafter. She is a non-profit and wants to
continue rescuing foxes.
• The Planning Commission is not opposed to the rescuing of foxes, but it is their
purview to determine if the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and the
conditions of the approved IUP are being met.
Motion was made by Reuvers, seconded by Drotning to recommend to City
Council revocation of Interim Use Permit No. 16-04 issued to Mikayla Raines for the
keeping of foxes, for repeated violation of the terms of the permit.
Chair Swenson expressed his appreciation to the audience for the respectful dialogue
at tonight’s meeting.
Ayes: Lillehei, Swenson, Kaluza, Reuvers, Drotning, Bakewicz, Einck
Nays: 0
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Brevig, Recording Secretary
City of Lakeville
Planning Department
Memorandum
To : Planning Commission
From: Frank Dempsey, AICP, Associate Planner
Date: April 28, 2017
Subject: Packet Material for the May 4, 2017 Planning Commission Meeting
Agenda Item: Consider Revocation of Interim Use Permit No. 16-04
INTRODUCTION
Mikayla Raines received City Council approval of an interim use permit on April 4, 2016
allowing her to keep up to three foxes on property at 12110 – 210th Street. Since the summer
of 2016, staff has received notifications from the public that Ms. Raines was keeping more
than three foxes on the property. Staff has monitored news reports and social media sites
associated with Ms. Raines and has documented that there is, in fact, more than three foxes
being kept on the property. Staff also confirmed this with two site inspections since the
interim use permit was approved. Ms. Raines has indicated to staff and on the social media
sites that she obtains baby foxes that she raises as well as other domestic house pets and wild
animals that may be injured or have other needs.
Section 11-7-7 of the Zoning Ordinance states that an interim use permit shall terminate upon
violation of the conditions under which the permit was issued. At their April 17, 2017
meeting, the City Council approved a motion directing the Planning Commission to hold a
public hearing in consideration of revocation of Interim Use Permit 16-04.
EXHIBITS
A. Approved Interim Use Permit
B. Interim Use Permit Application and Narrative (2016)
C. Property Survey
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D. Planning Department Inspections Memo
E. Social Media and News Accounts (10 Pages)
BACKGROUND
The 10 acre property where the foxes are being kept is largely wooded and is bisected by a
Northern Natural Gas high pressure gas main and easement. The property includes a single
family home and two detached accessory buildings as well as the animal enclosures. The
property is owned by Sandi Raines, Mikayla’s mother.
Planning Department staff received at least two calls from Ms. Raines in 2015 asking if the
keeping of foxes was allowed on her property. Staff informed her than an interim use permit
was required. Mikayla Raines came into possession of the foxes and installed an animal
enclosure without first receiving approval of an interim use permit and administrative permit
as required by the Zoning Ordinance. The foxes were discovered by a City building inspector
who was on the property in January 2016 in response to an inquiry about a building being
constructed near the south property line. The building inspector and Planning Department
staff concluded that the building under construction was not subject to Building Code and
Zoning Ordinance requirements.
Staff has confirmed through two site inspections initiated by public complaint and through
various news and social media reports that Ms. Raines is in violation of the interim use permit
in regard to the number of foxes kept on the property.
PLANNING ANALYSIS
Zoning Ordinance Violations. During the review of compliance with the stipulations of
Interim Use Permit No. 16-04, staff verified the following violations or possible violations on
the subject property:
• Keeping of more than three foxes.
• Animals kept not allowed by the Zoning Ordinance including racoons and one or
more constricting snakes.
• A second and larger animal enclosure than allowed by the approved administrative
permit.
• A social media invitation to the general public to attend an open house and tour of the
property and animals.
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• An auto sales dealership licensed to the property owner, Sandra Raines, that included
falsified City authorization. This violation is currently being rectified by the property
owner but the City has not received written confirmation of such from the State of
Minnesota.
• A swimming pool business registered to the property as identified in State of
Minnesota Secretary of State records. This would not be a violation if the business use
is only an office in the house and no commercial equipment or pool chemicals are
stored on the property.
Termination of the Interim Use Permit. Section 11-5-7 of the Zoning Ordinance states that
an interim use shall terminate on the happening of any of the following events, whichever
occurs first:
A. The date or event stated in the permit.
B. Upon violation of conditions under which the permit was issued.
C. Upon change in the city's zoning regulations which renders the use nonconforming.
At their April 18, 2017 meeting, the Planning Commission recommended approval of an
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance whereby any animals not defined as house pets would
no longer be allowed to be kept on any property in the City, even by interim use permit such
as that approved to Mikalya Raines in 2016. The City Council will consider this amendment
at their May 15, 2017 meeting.
Animals Allowed. Zoning Ordinance Section 11-35-3D states, “With the exception of the
keeping of animals allowed by subsections A, B, and C of this section, no other animals are
allowed except by interim use permit as regulated under the provisions of chapter 5 of this
title.” Subsection A refers to the keeping of house pets, subsection B refers to the keeping of
horses, and subsection C refers to the keeping of farm animals. Lakeville’s requirements
limiting the keeping of wild, domestic wild or other exotic animals are consistent with
requirements of other cities in the state and region. The approved interim use permit does
not allow the keeping of any other wild or exotic animals. Foxes are considered domesticated
wild animals that do not fall into any of these three categories.
Animal Enclosures. Following approval of the interim use permit, City staff approved an
administrative permit to keep the foxes in a single enclosure approximately 140 square feet in
area. An animal enclosure larger than 120 square feet requires approval of an administrative
permit. The enclosure had been installed without first obtaining City approval of the
administrative permit. Upon inspection of the property on March 10, 2017, staff noticed a
much larger second enclosure had been installed on the south side of the detached accessory
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building near the driveway. This enclosure had also been installed without administrative
permit approval. Inside the larger enclosure were five foxes including four new pen
enclosures. The larger enclosure measures approximately 40’ x 50’ in area.
USDA Permit. City staff has confirmed that Mikayla Raines was issued a United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) permit to be a commercial dealer of foxes, which is a
regulated business under USDA rules, but has not been able to obtain a copy of the permit due
to matters of privacy and Ms. Raines unwillingness to provide staff with a copy. The current
license expires June 17, 2017 unless it is renewed before that date. The USDA requires a
permit to allow certain animals to be kept for exhibiting to the public or for commercial sale
or transportation. It is not known what class of permit Ms. Raines holds. A Class A license is
issued to dealers who sell animals that are bred and raised at their facility in a closed or stable
colony. A Class B license is issued to other dealers whose business includes the purchase
and/or resale of warm-blooded animals. Examples of dealers include commercial dog-
breeding facilities, animal brokers, and operators of auction sales.
Contrary to condition (a) of the approved interim use permit, the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources does not require a permit to keep foxes provided they are not being bred or
taken from the wild.
Public Comment. Staff has received a large number of emails due to notification on Ms.
Raines’ social media accounts largely in support of her keeping the animals for fear the
animals will be killed, the general treatment of animals at fur farms or other similar comments
which is not the intention or purpose of this action.
Conclusion. In consideration of the history of non-compliance with the conditions of the
interim use permit approved in 2016 and in light of the kind-hearted and caring nature of Ms.
Raines and her willingness to accept more than three foxes of any age plus wild or exotic
animals not allowed by the interim use permit or Zoning Ordinance, the ability to enforce the
conditions of the interim use permit and Zoning Ordinance requirements will be an on-going
and time consuming effort.
RECOMMENDATION
Planning Department staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the
information provided and make a determination as to whether there is justification to revoke
Interim Use Permit No. 16-04 for repeated violation of the terms of the permit.