The City is considering updates to the current animal ordinance to help clarify what animals are permitted on residential properties. The Urban Affairs Committee would like residents’ feedback at a public comment meeting on Tuesday, September 24
The City is considering updates to the current animal ordinance to help clarify what animals are permitted on residential properties. Some residents have asked that the current ordinance be changed so that they can keep farm animals and poultry, such as goats and chickens, at their single-family homes. The current City ordinance does not allow residents to keep farm animals or poultry on residential property. Farm animals and poultry can only be kept on agricultural property.
The Urban Affairs Committee (UAC) was tasked with reviewing the current code and determining if changes were needed. The UAC has met several times and drafted a preliminary ordinance that does the following:
• Creates a definition of “Household Pet”, and lists specific animals, but not specific breeds, that would be considered household pets. These animals would include common pets (such as dogs, cats, fish) and small animals (such as gerbils, hamsters, reptiles, birds) to be kept inside the house. It would not include farm animals and poultry such as goats and chickens; these animals would continue to be prohibited on residential property.
• Limit the number of certain animals that may be kept at each residence. Currently, the Code states that no more than three (3) dogs and three (3) cats may be kept at a residence. The draft amendment would include ferrets, which would also be limited to not more than three (3) per residence. The draft amendment would also limit the combined total number of dogs, cats and ferrets to no more than six (6) per residence. For example, a resident could have two dogs, two cats, and one ferret, or any similar combination provided the number of each animal type not exceed three (3) of each type. The proposed ordinance amendments would not affect kennel or cattery regulations.
• Prohibit certain animals from residential property. This would include wild animals, animals considered dangerous, and farm animals and poultry.
The Urban Affairs Committee would like residents’ feedback about the proposed changes to the animal ordinance in Apple Valley. A public comment meeting will be held Tuesday, September 24th at 7 p.m. at the Apple Valley Municipal Center. A copy of the draft ordinance can be found below.
A copy of all materials used for the Urban Affairs Committee agenda packets is available for review at the Municipal Center.
For more information, contact the Community Development Department at commdev@ci.apple-valley.mn.us or (952) 953-2575.