Council broadens wildlife-feeding ban to cover all species, approves ordinance and summary publication

The Richfield City Council on Sept. 9 approved a second reading and summary publication of an ordinance that expands the municipal prohibition on feeding wildlife beyond deer and raccoons to include other species prompting neighborhood complaints.

Council member Christiansen said the city has seen a significant increase in complaints about residents excessively feeding wildlife, which has attracted deer, turkey, waterfowl, squirrels and led to rodent issues. "We just don't want people dumping 50 pound bags of corn and seed in their backyard," Christiansen said, describing the impetus for the change.

The update allows normal bird feeders but aims to prohibit large-volume feeding that leads to congregation and nuisance conditions. Council members also addressed a typographical error in the draft: one line read "5 field" instead of "5 feet" for the bird feeder height; the council directed that the typographical error be corrected.

A motion to approve the second reading was moved and seconded and passed; the council separately approved a resolution authorizing summary publication of the ordinance. The meeting record notes four members voted in favor of the summary publication.

Ending: The ordinance will be published in summary form. Staff said variances may remain an option where individual circumstances warrant, and the city attorney's office will correct the identified typographical error before final publication.