City Council Study Session Summary 2013 07 09

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City Council Study Session Summary July 09,2013 Page 4 of 6 • 3 —4 birds for a minimum flock • 2 —3 sf per chicken of coop floor • 4 —5 sf per chicken in an outside run • Secure fences to keep chickens in and predators out • Feed secured in predator proof containers Councilmember Keany asked Troy what issues other municipalities have had. Troy said very few problems and he received largely positive feedback; nuisance concerns were managed. Councilmember Yarnell asked about the discrepancy between egg production and when the stop producing. Ms. Wilkinson said they have a life expectancy of 6 —7 years and produce for about 5 years. She said solutions are popping up: chicken rescues and for a fee, slaughtering and processing. Another member of public said hens have longer productivity. Councilmember Loo reminded everyone that beekeeping has strict regulations and doesn't want chickens to be less regulated than bees. Councilmember Jasiak commented that the LSAB did a great job on the white paper. She thinks the setback discussion is worth having. She would not like to trample on residents rights by requiring them to get neighbors permission to have chickens since we don't require that in order to have a dog. Ms. Wilkinson stated micro flocks are docile, good with children and animals. They are a pet that provides nutritious food. They are an opportunity to enjoy an animal that provides organic food and a family can control, from start to finish what the family is eating. She recognizes coops are a potential eyesore; however, people care about their homes and want to keep their homes attractive. A public forum, held May 6th 2013, was advertised in the Daily Camera. Concerns were identified as well as how to address concerns and education was provided to those who are opposed. Public comments: There is nutritional benefit from free range chickens and their wings can be clipped so they don't fly over the fence. Noise is minimal; they are noisiest when they are laying eggs (typically about 2 minutes per day) Regarding fence height: liken it to a shed. People do not want eyesores on their property.