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File Number: 12-606 <br />beekeeper, and most of her neighbors are unaware she has bees. She commented <br />that since bees are attracted to plants, and not people, individuals who are allergic to <br />bees should be educated to know what not to plant in their yards, and that the 100 ’ <br />restriction from any dwelling unit is not relevant. <br />Janet Palma commented that she is interested in keeping chickens. She commented <br />that the lot size requirement makes no sense in her situation, as her backyard is <br />approximately 4,000 s.f. and abuts neighbors’ backyards and not their living quarters . <br />She agrees with: having a certain number of animals allowed per parcel, requiring a <br />setback from residences, not allowing chickens indoors, and requiring that enclosures <br />be in a fenced area in the rear yard. <br />Mia Ousley stated that she objects to the approach, and feels this is a zoning and <br />planning issue, rather than an animal control issue. She commented on other cities <br />that do not require setbacks, permits or pens, and allow the sale of eggs. She <br />commented that the proposed regulations for San Leandro are too restrictive. <br />Committee Member Comments <br />Mayor Cassidy: <br />·Would like the next step to be an evening public meeting or workshop , possibly in <br />January <br />o Publicize the meeting, to obtain greater public input, be interactive <br />o Can have both a staff recommendation , and public input recommendation <br />o Have copies of ordinances from other cities <br />·Suggested looking into reducing the minimum lot size from 6,000 to 4,500 sq. ft. for <br />allowing chickens without a permit <br />·For beekeeping, provide notice to adjacent neighbors, then have a process for <br />neighbor objections upon permit renewal <br />·Supports reducing the setback requirement for bees <br />Councilmember Prola: <br />·Agrees with reducing minimum lot size to 4,500 sq. ft. for chickens <br />·Feels there should be approval by existing neighbors for an initial beekeeping <br />permit <br />·Should require 20’ setback for chickens , but reduce to 5 ’ for bees <br />·Would like more expert information on whether a single bee hive could be allowed <br />on a 4,500 s.f. lot <br />Councilmember Souza: <br />·Supports neighbor approval for beekeeping, and respect for those who are highly <br />sensitive to bees <br />·Process should include obtaining the approval of neighbors, rather than requiring <br />that they file an objection <br />·Would like to have a mechanism for disclosing neighbor’s beekeeping to potential <br />adjacent homebuyers <br />·Hold community meeting in a central location, and provide background on the issue <br />and how community input has already affected the proposed regulations , to <br />illustrate the importance of community involvement in the process <br />Page 4 City of San Leandro Printed on 1/2/2013