Subd. 1. This set of rules shall be in effect for residentially zoned properties throughout the city except that properties in the AG Zoning District which are ten acres or larger may deviate from these rules and may instead keep chickens in a manner consistent with the Code’s rules for farm animals.
Subd. 2. No more than six chicken hens (females) are permitted to be maintained on one property.
Subd. 3. The keeping of roosters, defined as male chickens, and crowing hens is prohibited.
Subd. 4. Chickens shall not be permitted on residential properties which contain three or more dwelling units.
Subd. 5. All persons keeping or maintaining chickens must have a chicken coop to house the chickens and a chicken run where chickens may roam unsupervised. The coop and run must meet the following minimum requirements.
1. Coop requirements are as follows.
a. “Coop” is defined as a structure for the keeping or housing of chickens, as permitted by this section.
b. The coop is considered a detached accessory building and must comply with all provisions of City Code Chapter 10 (Zoning), including design and exterior material requirements, unless specifically exempted from a zoning provision as part of this section.
c. A zoning permit is required for any detached accessory building which is not large enough to require a building permit, including any chicken coop.
d. The maximum height of a chicken coop shall be six feet.
e. Coop shall be fully enclosed to prevent any escape by chickens or entrance by migratory birds or predators.
2. Run requirements are as follows.
a. “Run” is defined as a fully enclosed and covered area attached to a coop where chickens can roam unsupervised.
b. Fence around the run enclosure shall be securely constructed with mesh type material.
c. The maximum height of a run shall be six feet.
d. Protective overhead netting or roofing with an approved material is required to prevent predators.
3. The coop shall be counted as a detached accessory building when calculating the total number of permitted detached accessory buildings and the allowance for total square footage of detached accessory buildings, except that a property may be permitted one coop of 30 square feet or less which shall not count towards the total number of permitted accessory buildings or the allowance for total square footage of accessory buildings.
4. Coops and hard-roofed runs shall be considered an impervious surface when calculating impervious surface coverage of a property, except that coops and hard-roofed runs which total 30 square feet or less shall not be considered an impervious surface.
5. Coops and runs are allowed only in a rear yard.
6. Coops and runs must be located at least six feet away from the primary structure on the property.
7. Coops and runs must maintain a minimum setback of ten feet from all property lines and must maintain a minimum setback of 30 feet from all inhabited structures on adjacent properties.
8. Coops and runs located in the shoreland management overlay district must meet the required structure setback from the ordinary high water level or any lake or river.
9. Coops and runs located near wetlands must comply with wetland setback/buffer requirements.
Subd. 6. Food materials must be stored in a closed metal container to avoid pests.
Subd. 7. The enclosure and surrounding grounds shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and in good repair. Flies, rodents, and noxious odors shall be controlled.
Subd. 8. Manure shall not be permitted to accumulate on the property. Manure shall be removed at least once per week, but while on the property, shall be properly stored.
Subd. 9. Chickens must not be housed in a residential house or in an attached or detached garage, except chickens under the age of six weeks for brooding purposes.
Subd. 10. Chickens must not be allowed to free range unless the yard is completely fenced in. Chickens are not allowed to roam at large.
Subd. 11. Slaughtering and processing of chickens on the property is prohibited.
Subd. 12. Dead chickens must be disposed of according to the State Board of Animal Health rules which require chicken carcasses to be disposed of as soon as possible after death, usually within 48 to 72 hours. Acceptable methods of chicken carcass disposal include burial or these off-site options: incineration, rendering, or composting.
Subd. 13. The city reserves the right to require property owners to eliminate all fowl and poultry within city limits if a pandemic regarding fowl and poultry is declared.