HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-20-G01 Urban Chicken Ordinance Amendment - PH AGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: January 20, 2020
AGENDA ITEM: Public Hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 165, Zoning
Regulations, Administration and Enforcement, Waukee, Iowa by revising
provisions for Urban Chickens
FORMAT: Public Hearing
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: The City Council adopted the Urban Chicken
Ordinance at their meeting on November 18, 2020. Following the City Council approval, at a
City Council workshop, the majority of City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to
modify the number of chickens permitted.
Specifically, the Council asked for consideration to allow additional chickens for larger lot single
family lots.
Staff has proposed a modification to the ordinance related to the number of chickens based upon
the size of the residential lot. Specifically, the number of chickens would be based upon the size
of a residential lot as follows:
Up to ½ acre in size Maximum of 6 chickens
Between ½ acre and 1 acre in size Maximum of 12 chickens
Between 1 acre and 1 ½ acre in size Maximum of 18 chickens
Between 1 ½ acre and 2 acre in size Maximum of 24 chickens
Between 2 acres and 2 ½ acres in size Maximum of 30 chickens
The ordinance includes a cap of 30 chickens regardless of size of lot.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT: The Planning and Zoning
Commission reviewed the proposed Ordinance on January 14, 2020
and recommended approval:
Approval of an ordinance to amend chapter 165- Zoning Regulations, Administration and
Enforcement and Chapter 169- Zoning Regulation, District Regulation to incorporate
provisions for Urban Chickens
Director of Development Services, Brad Deets, introduced the memo from staff to the
commission regarding the modification suggested by the City Council to the newly adopted
Urban Chickens Ordinance. Mr. Deets advised that if approved, the changes would allow for
more chickens for larger lots. Specifically, for all lots above a half acre, an additional 6 chickens
G1
will be allowed per half acre increment. The ordinance includes a cap of 30 chickens regardless
of lot, and all other requirements and provisions will remain as previously written.
Staff would request your consideration for the proposed ordinance.
Commissioner Streit questioned for the demand for the ordinance. Mr. Deets advised that
Staff had currently received one permit, though time of year may also be effecting the
submittals. Mr. Deets also advised that, in general, there would be just under 100 actual
properties that would be effected by the change.
Commissioner Koshy questioned if at a certain limit, the number of chickens would
utilize less space, or if this amendment would have any spillover effects to the other parts
of the ordinance. Mr. Deets advised that other urban chicken ordinances were consulted,
and in a majority of cases, the space requirement was not affected, as is the case with this
ordinance.
Commissioner Broderick questioned if there were any dangers to business functions
within the city with the ordinance. Mr. Deets advised that, per the intent stated in the
ordinance, the chickens are to function as a personal use case, not as a business. At the
moment, interest is unknown and the ordinance is new. Changes can be made in the
future to address any concerns that arise.
A motion was made by Commissioner Koshy, and seconded by Commissioner Streit, to approve
the ordinance to amend chapter 165- Zoning Regulations, Administration and Enforcement and
Chapter 169- Zoning Regulation, District Regulation to incorporate provisions for Urban
Chickens. Ayes: Ward, Tietz, Streit, Broderick, Hoifeldt, Koshy and Freund. Nays: None. Motion
Carries.
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT: Staff has completed research on the number of single
family lots within the City of Waukee that are ½ acre or larger. Staff has identified a total of
approximately 500 lots that are ½ acre or larger, however, due to covenant restrictions, it appears
that the modified ordinance would only be applicable to around 100 properties within the City.
From an enforcement perspective, staff feels that the proposed ordinance modification is very
manageable.
RECOMMENDATION: Hold the Public Hearing.
ATTACHMENTS: None
PREPARED BY: Brad Deets, Development Services Director
REVIEWED BY: