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Commission forwards revised dog, parking and sewer code language to City Council after public comment
Summary
After public comments opposed a proposed blanket ban on dogs from all city property, the Planning Commission adjusted wording and voted to forward code amendments (dogs, winter on‑street parking, gravity sewer preference) to the City Council for review.
The River Heights Planning Commission discussed proposed changes to city code on May 12 that would amend rules about animals on city property, on‑street winter parking and gravity sewer operations, and voted to forward the revised language to the City Council.
Commission Chair Keenan Ryan read three emailed public comments from residents urging the commission to avoid a blanket ban of dogs from all city property and to target problem behavior instead. Whitney Reed Poulsen said a prohibition on sidewalks and trails would “feel unnecessarily restrictive”; Tim and AJ Elwood warned that prohibiting dogs from sidewalks could create safety risks by forcing residents into streets alongside vehicle traffic; Jill Skousen called the proposed wording “overly broad” and difficult to enforce, and criticized the proposed 30‑minute definition for continued animal noise.
Commissioners debated the proper scope of a prohibition (parks versus “all city property”), barking/noise thresholds (current draft defined “continued” animal noise as 30 minutes or longer, with short breaks under three minutes still counted), winter on‑street parking limits during snow accumulation (Nov. 15–March 15, 4 a.m.–noon), and language favoring gravity sewer operation where feasible. Chair Ryan noted River Heights registers roughly 350 dogs among about 700 households and observed there are dog‑waste stations at Stewart Hill Park; Commissioner Cooley said animal control had suggested clarifying language on excessive barking and explained that citations could follow complaints.
Commissioner Cooley moved to pass the discussed code changes to the City Council with the Commission's adjustments to sections 5‑2‑5:E.5 and 11‑7‑5:C; Commissioner Davidson seconded. The motion carried with Cooley, Davidson, Roberts and Chair Ryan voting in favor; Commissioner Wakefield was absent.
The forwarded package asks the City Council to review the revised language; the commission recorded community comments and suggested refinements but did not adopt a final city ordinance at this meeting.
