2015.04.07 Worksession Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Further discussion ensued regarding chickens and fowl. Councilmember Bauman was in favor of being proactive to ensure that New Brighton was safe and that health risks were considered. Mayor Jacobsen appreciated the novelty of farming and gardening, but stated that when he retired, he purchased enough land to complete this in a rural setting and did not believe this was appropriate for suburban New Brighton. He questioned why he was subject to more regulations on his hobby farm than he would be if he were to have chickens in New Brighton. He believed that a runoff buffer should be considered. Councilmember Burg was in favor of including runoff buffer language in the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Bauman discussed how chickens scratch the grass and ruin the turf. She understood that chickens had to roam, but wanted to see the fowl penned in order to create a buffer. Councilmember Jacobsen did not believe that chickens ruined all turf after viewing several properties throughout the community. He stated based on his experience with chickens, they defecate after roosting in the evening. He reported that this could become an odor concern if not properly managed by the homeowner. He suggested that the Council address the odor concern. Councilmember Bauman recommended that language also be added to address complaints. Gundlach discussed the City's current nuisance code. Mayor Jacobsen asked how the City measured noise. Code Enforcement Officer Hatch explained the noise had to be observed from a public spot upon arriving at the scene of the disturbance. Lotter stated that the Council would have to consider what the reasonable expectations are for residential neighborhoods. He understood each side of the issue and the concerns being raised by the Council. He discussed how food control was a growing concern. He stated that his neighbor has placed a compost pile on his property line, which has become a concern for the peaceful enjoyment of his property. He believed that the Council was close to reaching a consensus and encouraged them to not outright ban chickens but rather to consider what would be allowable. He wanted to see the Council reach a balance on this issue. Councilmember Bauman did not want to see situations created where the City regulations was putting neighbor against neighbor on this issue. She suggested that the definitions and number of fowl allowed be the Council's starting point. She believed that the current standards were too liberal and should be more closely examined. Councilmember Jacobsen suggested the term "fowl" be more closely defined. Councilmember Bauman did not want to see residents with geese because they required water. Code Enforcement Officer Hatch explained that 91% of the homes in New Brighton would only be allowed to have three to eight fowl. Councilmember Bauman feared how neighborhoods would look and smell if each home had nine chickens. She recommended that properties under 20,000 square feet be allowed to have no more than four chickens or