Loading...
5.a Staff Report-animal noise and accessory structures Staff Report Date of Meeting: November 13, 2018 To: Planning Commission From: Neil Soltis, Administrator Re: Regulation of animal noise and accessory structures Background: There has been an ongoing issue with a resident being disturbed by a donkey braying in the early morning hours. The owners of the property where the donkey is located run a petting zoo business out of their house that provides animals for various events. The parcel where the animals are located is over 5 acres in size and located in the General Rural zoning district where agricultural and livestock activities are permitted uses. The development code allows livestock on properties of 5 acres or greater. The Sheriff Deputy has verified that the parcel is in compliance with the animal density requirements and setbacks. Noise - The Development code regulation regarding noise refers to the MPCA standards. The City’s noise ordinance, which was adopted in 1999, generally reflects the MPCA standards but also contains language regarding noises prohibited. However, the City’s ordinance does provide an exemption from the noise ordinance for agricultural activities. While the development code does not specifically include a definition of an agricultural activity, the definitions of agricultural building and agricultural production both reference livestock and / or domestic farm animals. The issue of enforcing the noise ordinance has been discussed with the City Prosecutor and he feels that it is questionable whether a citation based on the current noise ordinance would be upheld based on the agricultural activity exemption. Copies of the Noise Ordinance, Development Code, State Statute regarding noise pollution, and guides from the League with regard to animal regulation and nuisances follow this cover memo. Accessory structures - The issue of the number of accessory structures has been raised which raises the questions as to what constitutes an accessory structure. On this particular lot a maximum of 3 accessory structures with a maximum combined area of 4,000 s.f. and a 120 s.f. shed would be allowed. As shown in the photo below there are a number of smaller structures used to house animals. Below are the applicable definitions contained in the Development Code: The text of the development code does not provide an exception for small structures beyond the 120 s.f. structure that does not require a building permit. Consequently, the code as constructed does not allow for shelters of a size for small animals, including domestic animal such as dogs.