Title
Staff Report for an Ordinance Repealing Title 3, Chapter 3-5 of the San Leandro Municipal Code Relating to Animals; Amending Title 4, Section 4-11-1000; and Enacting Title 4, Chapter 4-11, Articles 11-15; and a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule to Add Fees Relating to Animal Permits
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In December 2012, an informational staff report was presented to the City Council Rules Committee (attached). Based on recommendations from the Rules Committee, staff has held a public meeting to obtain additional input, and has drafted an ordinance to allow for the following:
1. Four chickens may be kept without a permit on parcels larger than an area specified in the Municipal Code.
a. City Council Rules Committee recommends: 4,500 sq. ft.
b. Staff recommends: 6,000 sq. ft.
2. Chickens may be kept on smaller parcels with an animal permit.
3. Ten-chicken maximum on any parcel.
4. Animal permit required for animals exceeding Municipal Code limits.
5. Beekeeping allowed with permit on parcels which are 6,000 sq. ft. or larger.
6. Establish appropriate permit fees.
7. Conduct a review of the ordinance after one full year of implementation.
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Determine the appropriate square footage requirement for the keeping of four chickens by right.
2. Adopt the proposed ordinance.
3. Adopt the proposed fees for animal permits, beekeeping permits, and renewals.
BACKGROUND
Current regulations do not allow for the keeping of chickens or bees in a residential district. In 2011, the City Council directed staff to research and develop regulations to allow for chickens and bees in residential districts. The proposed ordinance is a result of extensive research on chickens and bees, public and council input, and reviewing policies of other cities.
Analysis
Staff has worked with community members and the City Attorney's Office to develop regulations that balance the desire of ...
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