(A) For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
COOP. An enclosed structure where female chickens are kept, including nest boxes for egg-laying and perches on which hens can sleep.
PEN. A fully fenced in area attached to the coop in which the female chickens have exposure to outside elements.
(B) The keeping of domesticated chickens is permitted in R-1 zoning districts subject to the following requirements:
(1) Any person wishing to keep chickens in the city on a property shall submit an application and site map to keep domesticated chickens within the city limits. If the application is approved, a permit will be issued as long as the applicant adheres to the following rules:
(2) The principal use of the property shall be single-family residential, under R-l zoning districts only;
(3) The property shall contain no more than one occupied, single-family structure. Chickens shall not be permitted on vacant properties;
(4) The number of chickens per parcel shall be limited as follows:
(a) Less than one acre: maximum of five chickens; and
(b) One acre or more: maximum of ten chickens;
(5) No person shall keep a rooster;
(6) All chickens shall be of the subspecies Gallus domesticus and tolerant of local climate conditions;
(7) Chickens shall not be kept inside the principal structure;
(8) No person shall slaughter chickens in public view or in the open;
(9) Chicken coops and attached exercise pens shall be provided for all chickens;
(10) Coops and pens shall be fully enclosed (including overhead) and constructed of durable materials;
(11) The floor area of the coop shall be a minimum of two square feet in area per chicken;
(12) The floor area of the attached pen shall be a minimum of six square feet in area per chicken;
(13) Coops and pens shall meet all accessory structure setback requirements as outlined in § 154.280;
(14) Coops and pens shall be located in rear yards only;
(15) The total square footage of coop and attached pen combined shall not exceed the following accessory structure requirements on parcels sized as follows:
(a) Less than one acre: maximum of 50 square feet; and
(b) One acre or more: maximum of 100 square feet;
(16) Chickens shall be kept in coops and/or pens at all times;
(17) All food stored for chickens shall be kept in rodent proof containers stored inside coops or other buildings;
(18) All premises in which chickens are kept or maintained, including coops and pens, shall be kept reasonably clean from filth, garbage and any substances which attract rodents. All feces shall be collected and properly disposed of on at least a weekly basis;
(19) Disposal of dead chickens shall be done in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations;
(20) Chickens shall not be kept in such a manner as to constitute a public nuisance as defined by the city;
(21) The sale of the eggs from chickens is allowed as long as the rules are followed under the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
(22) The city may enter and inspect any property, including the coop and back yard, at any reasonable time for the purpose of investigating either an actual or suspected violation or to ascertain compliance or noncompliance with the certificate of compliance and the city code; and
(23) Any person wishing to keep chickens pursuant to this section shall pay an initial application and site review fee in the amount set forth in the city's fee schedule.
(Ord. 304, passed 2-7-2023)