Crystal Gives Initial Okay for Keeping of Ducks, Bees
The Crystal City Council gave initial approval to amending its animal control ordinance that would allow the keeping of ducks in back yards, while adding a section to allow beekeeping.
The proposed ordinance changes were discussed at the Nov. 4 Crystal City Council meeting.
Crystal’s current ordinance allows up to three dogs or up to three cats and one pot-bellied pig. A combined total of four dogs and cats is also allowed without a license or permit.
In addition, the city currently allows homeowners to keep up to four chickens in back yards.
City officials said a request was made to add ducks leading to the potential ordinance change.
Under the proposed revisions starting on page 44 in the recent packet, a homeowner could keep up to six chickens or up to six ducks or a maximum combined total of 10. The animals would need to be protected in a shelter or coop, according to the ordinance.
Roosters, or male chickens, would also not be allowed.
“We do exclude male species, primarily for the noise,” said Crystal City Manager Adam Bell.
City leaders considered adding geese and turkeys as well, but council members opted to strike those animals from the list of animals allowed to be kept on property.
There was some debate on how many animals total to allow.
“Ten birds as a maximum does seem to be a little much for me, especially considering most of our lots are less than a fifth of an acre,” said Crystal City Council Member Forest Eidbo.
“It’s kind of a conundrum because you want to be respectful of the people that want backyard chickens and ducks, but you also want to be respectful of the next-door neighbors who might not want that in the neighborhood,” said Crystal Mayor Julie Deshler.
As for beekeeping, the Crystal City Council took initial steps to allow up to three hives.
The Crystal City Council approved a first reading of the revisions. Final approval would be needed at an upcoming meeting.
You can view the full discussion here.
Example of chicken coop/courtesy city of Crystal documents
Robbinsdale Takes Steps To Allow Keeping of Quails
The Robbinsdale City Council, meanwhile, approved the first reading of an ordinance change that would allow the keeping of quails.
A Robbinsdale resident made the request, leading to the consideration.
Quails are generally smaller than chickens with short tails and rounded wings. They produce eggs that are smaller than chicken eggs, but are considered a healthy food alternative, according to city council documents.
Male quails rarely crow, unlike roosters, but could do so if separated from females, officials said.
Under the proposed ordinance, homeowners could keep up to two quails in a backyard coop. Those wishing to keep more than two quails would need to apply for a permit.
The city’s domestic animal ordinance currently allows up to a total of two ducks, geese, turkeys or rabbits. More than two requires a permit.
The initial reading to allow quail was approved on a 5-0 vote. A second reading would be required for final approval.
Photo of quails/courtesy city of Robbinsdale documents
