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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-23 Planning & Zoning Minutes - Work Sessionr~ PLANNING 8a ZONING COMMISSION WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 23, 2000 8:10 P.M. It was noted the work session was being held to discuss the proposed livestock ordinance. Gough referred to the proposed ordinance and noted it referred to large animals. He stated his concern was for smaller animals, i.e. geese, dog kennels, dog teams, etc. He suggested the ordinance be expanded beyond large animals, Goecke explained he had originally requested the definition of large animals in the ordinance to include "but not limited to cattle, buffalo, llama..." He added, the attorney didn't like the terminology and changed it. Goecke stated he had not considered flocks of geese, chickens, etc. It was explained, the Animal Control Officer issues kennel permits and suggested the commissioners contact the officer if they were aware of kennels, etc. and the officers would investigate thezx~. Bryson noted, the ordinance, as written would include virtually the whole city as there was little area in the city that was three acres ar larger and individually owned. Most of the larger lots were owned either by the city or were Native-owned lands. Bryson also noted in his 22 years on the Commission he was not aware of any problems with animals brought to the Commission other than a covenant problem discussed approximately 20 years prior where a horse was being kept on a small lot. He added, he did not understand why large animals had to be restricted to Rural Residential lots that were larger than three acres. He added, if the problem was small lots, then small lots should be addressed, etc. He noted, there were a lot of children involved in FFA, 4-H projects, Girl Scouts, etc. where they could have farm stock projects. Bryson stated he was opposed to advancing the ordinance. Jackman stated she agreed with Bryson as far as club project activities and asked if a permit could be required and easy to obtain. She added, she didn't think a herd of animals was appropriate in the city limits. Bryson stated he had been dismayed that established subdivisions (Woodland, Inlet View, Inlet Woods, Redoubt, etc.) had not addressed more stringent animal aspects to their zoning. He noted, he felt the more appropriate place to restrict animals was in the zones and lot size. He noted, his house was situated an a Government Lot which was 11/a acres and was sufficient to raise larger animals. He noted the RS-2 zone was mare restrictive and suggested changes could be made to that zone to make it compatible. He added, because people usually da not want to rezone. However, if the city proposed it and paid for the costs, etc. and adequately explained what would be PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 23, 2000 PAGE 1 done, it could be appropriate. Bryson suggested a lot of 10,000-20,000 square feet might be appropriate. Goecke stated he believed larger four-legged animals didn't belong in the City of Kenai on property less than three-acre parcels. Gough agreed the matter might need to be addressed, but thought the allowable sized lots should be smaller. Kebschull stated the Comprehensive Plan would be reviewed beginning in the summer and suggested the concern could be an issue to discuss with property owners at workshops during the development of the Plan. Nord suggested that if there was an ordinance, people with concerns would have a venue for a complaint. Kebschull explained, calls of concern were currently addressed as health and safety concerns and the Animal Control Officer inspects and cites if there's a problem. The question arose if subdivision covenants didn't cover the concern and did the city enforce covenants. It was noted, covenants were maintained through home owner associations and enforcement of covenants was not a responsibility of the city government. Bryson stated, animals and their treatment and impact on neighbors were situations that could be avoided if the animals were taken care of by the owners. He added, this could be reduced by the lot size requirements. Bryson stated he would not be in favor of the ordinance if a change was not made to the limitation of the zoning, lot sizes, etc. Gough agreed. Goecke asked if the Commission would agree to the ordinance if the three acre size would be cut to 11/~ acres. Gough stated, knowing the Animal Control Officer handled large animal concerns currently, he didn't believe the ordinance was needed. Bryson stated he didn't think cutting the size of the lots addressed his concerns. Nord stated she would want fowl to be included in the ordinance due to a problem that arose during a prospective real estate sale. She added, if there was going to be an ordinance, she wanted it to be more inclusive. Gough stated he was satisfied the ordinance was not necessary if Animal Control could handle complaints that occur as a health and safety issue. Bannock asked if it would be better to draft an ordinance which would specify what the problems might be if too many animals were kept on properties in the city and address rernediation of those problems through Animal Control, It was suggested Animal Control Officer Godek be invited to the work session on March 15 in order to hear what problems he sees, etc. Kebschull noted, the institution of the ordinance would most affect Animal Control through additional responsibility. She added, when the ordinance was first drafted, Godek reviewed it and mentioned his concern the ordinance would add more responsibilities for which he didn't have the manpower to enforce them. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 23, 2000 PAGE 2 Jackman suggested that if there was not a large problem with large animals at this time, adding the ordinance to the code could create more problems. Nord stated she didn't think it was known if there was a problem as there was no ordinance in the code to address them. Erwin. stated he was not in favor of creating a new ordinance if something was currently in the code to address large animal problems. It was noted, council had not yet discussed the ordinance. The work session ended at approxanaately 9:15 p.m. Notes transcribed by: .~ Carol L. Freas, ity Clerk PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 23, 2000 PAGE 3