10.32 - Animals and Fowl-Keeping, Transporting, Treatment and Housing § 10.32
Section 10.32: Animals and Fowl-Keeping,
Transporting, Treatment, and Housing
Subdivision 1. Definitions
As used in this Section, the following definitions shall apply.
A. Farm Animals: Cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats, swine, ponies, ducks,
geese, turkeys, chickens, guinea hens and honey bees.
Source: City Code
Effective Date: 6-30-88
B. Animals: Includes farm animals and all other animals, and feathered birds
or fowl except dogs, cats, small rodents, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles under
twenty (20) pounds, non-poisonous amphibians, non-poisonous snakes under
forty (40) pounds, non-poisonous invertebrates, fish, and caged household
birds.
Subdivision 2. Keeping
It is unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any animal, not in transit, except (1)
animals kept as part of a show licensed under the City Code, or (2) animals used in
a parade for which a license has been issued, or (3) animals kept in a laboratory for
scientific or experimental purposes, or (4) animals kept in an animal hospital or
clinic for treatment by a licensed veterinarian, or (5) chickens in accordance with
the terms in Subdivision 3 hereof.
Subdivision 3. Keeping of Chickens
No person shall own, harbor, or keep within the City a hen chicken unless a valid
license for such chicken has been obtained pursuant to the provisions stated herein.
A. License
1. Licenses shall be obtained annually and expire each April 1.
2. License application fees are due upon submittal of the license application.
The fee will be established by ordinance.
3. The City may deny or revoke any license application or renewal if it
deems the applicant (a) unable or unwilling to fulfill the provisions stated
herein, (b) failing to comply with the provisions of this Section, (c)
submitting inaccurate or incomplete license information, (d) failing to
meet the conditions of the license, (e) creating a nuisance, or (f) if the
public health and safety would be unreasonably endangered by the
granting or renewing of such license.
Golden Valley City Code Page 1 of 4
§ 10.32
4. An initial inspection of the property, coop, and run is required prior to
issuance of a license. A similar inspection is also required for license
renewals.
5. The City may inspect the licensed property at any time to ensure
compliance with the provisions of this Section.
B. General
1. The keeping of roosters is prohibited.
2. No more than four (4) chickens shall be kept on any one (1) licensed
premises.
3. Chickens must be confined on the licensed premise at all times, in a
chicken coop or chicken run, and may not be kept in any part of the
principal dwelling, garage, front yard, or side yard.
4. The butchering of chickens is prohibited.
5. All chicken grains and feed must be stored in a rodent proof container.
6. The use of chickens for cockfighting is prohibited.
C. Coop and Run
1. All chickens shall be provided access to both a coop and run.
2. All fencing and electrical work associated with the chicken coop or run
shall be consistent with the building and zoning codes and all appropriate
permits and licenses shall be obtained therefore.
3. Any chicken coop or run shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from the
principal dwelling, fifty (50) feet from principal dwellings on adjacent lots,
and ten (10) feet from the property line. The coop and run shall be
located closer to the principal dwelling of the licensed property than to
any principal dwelling on adjacent properties.
4. Any coop or run shall be set back at least twenty-five (25) feet from the
following features:
a. A delineated wetland edge;
b. The top of a bank of a pond, filtration basin, or infiltration basin.
5. Chicken coops shall have a maximum footprint area of ten (10) square
feet per chicken and a minimum footprint area of five (5) square feet per
chicken.
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§ 10.32
6. Chicken runs shall have a maximum footprint area of twenty (20) square
feet per chicken and a minimum footprint area of ten (10) square feet per
chicken.
7. The coop shall be elevated a minimum of twelve (12) inches above
ground and may not exceed a height of six (6) feet as measured from the
ground.
8. No coop or run shall be located in any form of easement or right-of-way.
9. The coop and run shall be completely enclosed and rodent proof.
10. The coop shall provide adequate protection from the elements and be
winterized.
11. Once the owner is finished raising chickens the coop and run must be
removed from the property.
D. Private Restrictions and Covenants on Property. Notwithstanding the issuance
of a license by the City, private restrictions or covenants on the use of
property shall remain enforceable. Private restrictions include but are not
limited to deed restrictions, condominium master deed restrictions,
neighborhood association by-laws, and covenant declarations. A license
issued to a person whose premises are subject to private restrictions and/or
covenants that prohibit the keeping of chickens is void. The interpretation
and enforcement of the private restrictions is the sole responsibility of the
private parties involved.
Source: Ordinance No. 499, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 6-28-13
*Subdivision 4. Animals in Transit
It is unlawful for any person to transport animals unless they are (1) confined
within a vehicle, cage or other means of conveyance, or (2) restrained by means of
bridles, halters, ropes or other means of individual restraint.
*Subdivision 5. Treatment
It is unlawful for any person to treat any animal as herein defined, or any other
animal, in a cruel or inhumane manner.
*Subdivision 6. Housing
It is unlawful for any person to keep any animal as herein defined, or any other
animal, in any structure infested by rodents, vermin, flies or insects, or inadequate
for protection against the elements.
*Subdivision 7. Trespasses
It is unlawful for any person to herd, drive or ride any animal over and upon any
grass, turf, boulevard, City park, cemetery, garden or lot without specific
permission therefor from the owner.
Source: City Code
Effective Date: 6-30-88
Golden Valley City Code Page 3 of 4
§ 10.32
*Subdivision 8. Trapping
It is unlawful for any person to, by means of any device or contrivance, catch, trap,
snare, or restrain any animal. Provided, however, that the Chief of Police or City
Manager or his/her designee may waive the prohibition in this Subdivision for the
purpose of abating nuisances.
*Subdivision 9. Enforcement
Licensed peace officers, reserve officers, and community service officers, employed
by the Police Department are authorized to issue administrative citations in
accordance with Section 4.60 Subdivision 3(b) of the City Code for violation of this
Section. Administrative citations for violations of this section shall be processed,
heard and considered in all respects as that provided in Section 4.60, Subdivisions
11 and 12 of the City Code.
Source: Ordinance No. 499, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 6-28-13
*Relettering Source:
Ordinance No. 499, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 6-28-13
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