Council grants temporary permit to exceed three-pet limit for Lincoln Drive apartment, citing emotional-support needs

At the Dec. 2 meeting the Edina City Council approved a permit application that allows a household at 5241 Lincoln Drive, Apartment 110 to temporarily keep four animals (two chihuahuas and two cats) where the city ordinance normally limits residents to three cats and dogs in the aggregate.

Officer Tim Hunter described the applicants' circumstances, noting all four animals are registered as emotional-support animals and are small, well cared for and associated with specific needs in the household. "Considering the specifics of the circumstance, my staff recommendation would be an approval," Officer Hunter said.

Applicants Emery Day and Monica Schultz told the council they had applied proactively after moving to Edina and that the extra animals provide essential support to family members, including a daughter coping with trauma. "We're just hoping to be able to keep our family together," Emery Day told the council.

Council members asked practical questions about the variance's life cycle and enforcement. Officer Hunter said the variance is issued to the named animals on the application and would not automatically travel with the family to a new address: the city would need a new mailing and public hearing if a new owner or unit were involved. He also said the household must notify the city if they acquire an additional animal beyond those named.

The motion to approve the variance was moved by Member Agnew and seconded by Member Pierce; the motion carried with council voices in favor. Mayor Hovland congratulated the applicants and said the permit was approved.

Implementation notes: the variance applies specifically to the four animals listed on the application; if the family later acquires another animal, they must reapply and the city will require new notice to neighbors.