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File Number: 12-606 <br />o Four chickens per household would be allowed without a permit on a lot size <br />of 6,000 sq. ft. or greater <br />o A Fancier’s Permit could be obtained to allow the number of animals to <br />exceed the limits or regulations of the Municipal Code <br />o Beekeeping would be allowed with a Beekeeping Permit <br />o Permits would be renewed annually <br />o Recommend a maximum limit of 10 animals per household, not including <br />“household animals” <br />o R-O District would continue to be exempt from regulations <br />·One or two community meetings will be held to elicit input and comments on the <br />proposals <br />·A draft ordinance will be presented to the City Council in early 2013 <br />Committee Questions/Answers <br />Q: Why is the ordinance seemingly being made so complicated? <br />A:Since the Police Department handles animal control and enforcement, it has the <br />expertise and expert contacts necessary to develop comprehensive animal care <br />and control regulations. <br />Q:6,000 sq. ft. lot size seems excessive. What was the rationale for determining the <br />lot size? <br />A:The 6,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size is consistent with regulations established in <br />Fremont, Union City, Newark and Hayward. Those cities require a permit <br />regardless of lot size, while San Leandro’s ordinance would allow up to four <br />chickens without a permit on a minimum 6,000 sq. ft. lot. Chickens could be <br />allowed on lots smaller than 6,000 sq. ft. with a permit. <br />Regarding bees, the experts that were consulted recommended a minimum lot size <br />of one acre, and the proposed 6,000 sq. ft. minimum is consistent with what is <br />allowed by other nearby cities. A maximum of three hives would be permitted per <br />lot. <br />Q:Can the annual permit be renewed online? <br />A:No, but for those owners who practice responsible care of their animals, the permit <br />renewal process will consist of a short site visit. <br />Q:Would a new adjacent neighbor need to consent to beekeeping next door ? <br />A:Yes, consent would need to be obtained from the new neighbor. <br />Q:What would a permit cost? <br />A:The cost of a permit would be nominal, and based on staff time . Staff will present <br />options for the Council to consider. <br />Q:What is the impact of “overpollination”? <br />A:Potential ruination of flowers and crops. <br />Public Comments <br />Scott Terry stated that he keeps bees and chickens , and considers himself an expert <br />on beekeeping. He commented that he is not in favor of requiring neighbor approval; <br />agrees with the 6,000 s.f. minimum lot size for beekeeping; and disagrees with the 20 ’ <br />setback requirement. <br />Mitch Huitema concurred with Mr. Terry’s comments. She stated she is also a <br />Page 3 City of San Leandro Printed on 1/2/2013