Robbinsdale Gives Initial Okay to Rooster Ban, New Chicken-Keeping Requirements
The Robbinsdale City Council voted to amend its domestic animal ordinance this week on first reading, clarifying requirements for residents seeking to keep chickens. Final approval is expected at a later meeting.
Under the proposed changes, roosters, or adult male chickens, would be banned. Residents in Robbinsdale would be able to keep two hen chickens without a permit in their yard. For more than two, a permit is required. In addition, keepers of more than two chickens would have to have a coop and agree to inspections without advanced notice.
According to The Happy Chicken Coop website, roosters can crow to about 90 decibels, the same as a barking dog. However, the website notes the differentness of rooster noise tends to annoy people. By comparison, hens, or female chickens, reach about 70 decibels, about the same as human conversation.
Crystal and Brooklyn Center also allows keeping of chickens.
“I can make sure I can get all my sleep that way,” said council member Pat Backen, who fully supported the proposal, as did the four other members of the Robbinsdale City Council.
A fee would also be required for chicken keepers. According to the fee schedule, there’s a $50 charge for an initial permit investigation, plus an additional $25 charge and $1/per address charge to notify neighbors within 200 feet of the subject property. The city would also set up a complaint process that would come into play for permit renewal decisions for hen chickens. Permits could be revoked if the city determines the animals have become a public nuisance or safety hazard.
In addition to hens, residents can keep no more than two geese, ducks, turkeys or rabbits without a permit, under the ordinance amendment moving forward.
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