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�_�.�.��'_�_���'.v"'�"����"_'���__"��'�` �'."__ �'_.�._"������_��"'_w_�___'���' ��___.��.__�..�.�: <br /> Bay�ort's extensive regulations note that chickens can't be kept in the house. Several cities <br /> that are still largely rural require lots to be 3 or more acres.The upscale community of North <br /> Oaks, which used to be railroad magnate James J. Hill's farm, doesn't allow the birds at all. <br /> Most cities that allow chickens require a permit, charge a fee and check on the chickens' <br /> welfare regularly. Ordinances describe an acceptable coop's configuration, along with its <br /> � placement on the property. . <br /> Most ordinances recognize some neighbors may not be enthusiastic about living near a <br /> , miniature farm.�Most don't allow roosters because they're noisy and can be aggressive?In <br /> '�` East Bethel,which doesn't bar roosters, spokeswoman Stephanie Hanson notes: "We have � <br /> no complaints on chickens; however, we have nurnerous complaints on roosters." Most <br /> �' require some or all of the neighbors to sign off on the idea. In Maplewood, which adopted an � <br /> ordinance last year, the owner of every property adjacent to the applicant's must agree, or <br /> � the applicant has to prove his property lines are at least 15o feet from anyone's house. <br /> And most cities limit the number of chickens to three or four--but not Minneapolis, where <br /> there's no official limit if a resident can convince 8o percent of the neighbors to sign off on <br /> the number and the city agrees they're properly kept. Minneapolis also allows roosters,but <br /> that has to be disclosed to neighbors and their signatures must be notarized. <br /> Minneapolis,which has allowed baclryard fowl as far back as anyone in animal control can � <br /> remember, now has a population of about 1,50o chickens, with an average of six to eight <br /> birds per household, according to permit coordinator Ann Thelen. Gro�n�th is still booming, <br /> with six to 10 application requests per week. � <br /> "Hens are wildfire this year,"Thelen said. <br /> And beehives, another part of the urban-farming movement, are gaining momentum. <br /> "They're coming in droves,too,"Thelen said. <br /> On Tuesday, June 5, a Stillwater family who had been cited for illegally keeping chickens <br /> appeared before the city council to ask members to consider mal:ing chickens legal.The <br /> council agreed, 3-2,to look into the matter, and will charge the standard $50o to have the <br /> city research a resident's request. � . , <br /> "There's enough illegal chickens out there that they're having a fundraiser to change the <br /> ordinance," said Mayor Ken Harycki. "They're pretty passionate about it.Apparently,there's <br /> a groundswell going on." <br /> Both Jacques and Katie DuBois grew up living in apartments, so having hens and a backyard � <br /> garden at their St. Paul house is a way to experience something new and promote their <br /> children's health, Jacques DuBois said.The children, ages g, 5 and 3, see the chickens as pets <br /> and will casually pick them up and carry them around.The family boxer and poodle mingle <br /> with the hens wandering in the yard. <br /> The family keeps different varieties, including the Ameraucana, nicknamed the "Easter <br /> httn://cnf.cleanvrint.net/cnf/cnf?action=urint&url=httn%3A%2F%2F�vw�.v.t4vincities.com... 6/l 0/20 l 2 <br />