ENM flying forward with chickens
The Elko New Market City Council unanimously directed the city staff to prepare a proposal to amend the city’s ordinances and allow the raising of chickens within the city limits. The decision came after a discussion at the council’s Thursday, Jan. 14, meeting.
City Planning Director Bob Kirmis said the Planning Commission thought this was a policy matter to be made by the council. He noted at the commission’s December meeting they had two city residents and one business owner put forth support for allowing the keeping of chickens.
Kirmis explained he sampled 11 metro communities and found seven that allow chickens. They are Bloomington, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Jordan, Savage and Shakopee. Each had requirements including setbacks for coops, the size of the structures, sanitation and whether they required a permit or license. The number of chickens allowed ranged from three to five.
It was asked if Scott County would have any say in any requirements for Elko New Market. City Administrator Tom Terry replied since it was within the city limits it was a city matter. Scott County was the land use authority outside of the city.
The Planning Commission provided a draft of regulations that included a maximum of four chickens to be allowed, the prohibiting of roosters, the requirement of an annual permit and the requiring that chickens be kept in a permitted enclosure. There was also....
To see more on this story pick up the January 21, 2016 print edition of The New Prague Times.
