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Draft Minutes <br />Planning Commission Regular Meeting <br />Monday, May 19, 2025, 6:00 PM <br />City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />7. OLD BUSINESS <br /> <br />7.1 LA25-000014, REVISIONS TO CITY CODE REGARDING THE KEEPING OF ANIMALS IN <br />RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS <br /> <br />The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss the <br />proposed text amendment regarding animals as accessory uses in residential districts. The proposal <br />defines different categories of animals and some alterations to zoning regulations regarding lot sizes. <br /> <br />The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff. <br /> <br />Commissioners said the definition of farm animals could include roosters, which are excluded as <br />domestic poultry on smaller lots, or not use the term domestic poultry under farm animals. <br />Commissioners suggested the definition of domestic poultry should be more restrictive, with some of the <br />other kinds of fowl included as farm animals, and that the number of hens allowed in a domestic situation <br />should be different from the number of doves and pigeons permitted. Discussion centered on whether <br />permitted animals should be clearly defined or left open and what type of permitting should be required in <br />different zoning districts. Commissioners indicated the goal would be to allow a small number of hens on <br />smaller lots than the code currently permits. Setbacks for coops on residential half-acre lots would follow <br />the primary building setbacks with a formula for setback from neighboring structures. Building permits <br />would still be required. <br /> <br />Staff was directed to update the revisions to the code, incorporating the recommendations of the <br />Commission, and schedule a public hearing. <br /> <br />60