Council approves new limits and definitions for livestock and poultry in residential zones

The Shakopee City Council on July 15 adopted an ordinance amending city code section 130.04 to update rules for livestock and poultry in residential zoning districts and to set limits on coop and run sizes.

City staff described the changes as a redefinition of “livestock” and an expansion of the poultry definition to include ducks, geese, guinea fowl, quail and pheasants in addition to hens and chickens. Staff said the ordinance allows up to five “hand check ins” in certain residential zones (R‑SR, R‑D, R‑1A, R‑1B, R‑1C and R‑2) and applies tiered limits by lot size: parcels from 0.12 to 0.99 acre may have up to five birds, parcels of one acre or more may have up to 12. The ordinance also sets maximum coop and run dimensions and clarifies that seasonal sales stands for honey and related products must comply with Section 151.007.

Planning commission members had reviewed the ordinance as an informational item June 5; staff said the commission suggested clarifying language about vegetables and nursery plants and a naming change for an originally proposed category. Councilor Lara moved the ordinance; Councilor Contreras seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.

Council discussion touched on whether a resident who had raised concerns earlier felt the revisions addressed those points; staff reported follow‑up and consultation with the planning commission and said they could not “make everybody happy” but sought a compromise that fits Shakopee’s mix of rural residential and larger agricultural lots.

The ordinance is adopted and will be implemented under existing permitting processes; no budgetary impacts were identified at the meeting.