City Council Minutes 2013 08 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2013 Page 4 of 16 four hens maximum; prohibit outdoor slaughtering of birds; establish coop pen placement and design requirement; require odor be contained; require owners to be responsible for immediate and proper disposal of dead birds; allow code enforcement officers to inspect facilities when responding to complaints; allow the City to suspend backyard chicken permits on code violations; develop education materials and allow administrative waivers to coop location requirements; provide performance standards including prohibiting outdoor slaughtering of birds, but allowing indoor slaughtering. Staff requested City Council direction on whether or not the Planning Division and the Police Department should proceed to create proposed amendments to the Louisville Municipal Code to allow backyard chickens and what specific performance criteria should be included for City Council's consideration of a Backyard Chicken Ordinance. COUNCIL QUESTIONS Council member Jasiak requested a definition of free -range chickens. Planner III McMillan stated free -range chickens are not penned. Council member Jasiak inquired about the recommended number of hens. Planner III McMillan explained staff is recommending limiting the number of fowl to six; three of any combination geese, turkeys, ducks plus the addition of three hens, or, four hens maximum. Council member Loo addressed the slaughtering of chickens indoors and felt it should be prohibited unless owners have such facilities to do so. She inquired about the LMC restriction on the number of dogs and cats allowed per household. It was noted no more than three (cats or dogs) or a combination of four. She felt there should be fairness in number of pets kept. She inquired about fences less than six -foot tall and asked for the current setbacks for sheds and play structures. Planner III McMillan explained setbacks vary throughout the City; the standard is a 10 foot rear setback, the side setback can be 5 to 10 feet in some areas. Council member Loo noted both Fort Collins and Lakewood require a 15 foot setback. She supported more than 5 foot setbacks. She requested clarification on the language, which states the ordinance shall not supersede any existing covenants. City Attorney Light explained staff's intent was to provide notice to residents who may live in a neighborhood, which have covenants prohibiting hens. The ordinance will not enforce covenants, but merely provide notice. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton asked if the covenants have expired, but there is an HOA in place, are the covenants still enforceable. City Attorney Light stated each interested . party would have to discuss this with their HOA. Council member Loo noted there wasn't any maximum run or coop size suggested by staff. She supported written consent from neighbors and notice from the City.