A.

The following animals may be kept in the City, subject to the regulations of this Chapter and other sections of City Code:

1.

Domestic animals, which are permitted in all zoning districts. Dog kennels require a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 904 of this Ordinance.

2.

Horses, but only as an allowed accessory use under zoning district regulations.

3.

Chickens, but only as a permitted use provided for in this Chapter.

4.

Animals being kept as part of the Minnesota Zoological Gardens, St. Paul Como Zoo, or similar institutional docent programs. Before such animals are allowed, however, the participant in the program must notify the City Manager in writing of their participation in the program and identify the animal being kept.

5.

Animals kept for commercial purposes if authorized in the zoning district where the animals are located.

B.

Any animals not permitted under Section 930.01 A. of this Chapter are not allowed to be kept in the City.

C.

Animals may not be kept if, in the judgment of the City Manager, they cause a nuisance or endanger the health or safety of the community.

D.

Chickens are allowed on single family residential properties, subject to the following requirements:

1.

A Chicken Keeping Permit must be applied for and approved by the City prior to keeping any chickens on the property.

2.

A site plan must be submitted with the permit application, including plans for construction of the coop and/or chicken run, which must comply with City Building Code if applicable.

3.

No more than four hens may be kept on a property; no roosters may be kept.

4.

Chickens must be maintained in a coop and/or fenced chicken run at all times unless the rear yard is completely enclosed by a fence adequate to contain animals. The fence must be a minimum of four feet in height in addition to complying with the other regulations applicable to fences.

5.

All chicken feed must be placed in a pest and rodent free container.

6.

The size of chicken coops may not exceed 50 square feet, and the size of chicken runs may not exceed 100 square feet. Chicken coops must be a minimum of five square feet per chicken, and the chicken run must be a minimum of 25 square feet.

7.

Chicken coops and fenced chicken runs must be located outside the accessory structure setback of the applicable zoning district.

8.

The coop and chicken run must be kept in a healthy and sanitary condition, and in such a way that no noxious odors or unsanitary drainage impact adjacent public or private property.

9.

Chickens may be kept for personal use only. Butchering of chickens and the sale of chicken and eggs on or from the property is prohibited.

10.

Property owners and applicants must provide access to their property for a pre-inspection at the time of the permit request, if needed, and at any time thereafter as requested by the City, to verify compliance with the conditions of this Chapter or in response to a complaint.

11.

A Chicken Keeping Permit may be revoked by the City at any time if the Permit holder fails to comply with all the conditions specified in this Chapter, the Chicken Keeping Permit and application, or if the chickens create a nuisance, objectionable odors, unsanitary conditions, or there are other City Code violations on the property.

(Ord. No. 837 [6-13-2024])