Minnetrista Minnesota Residents - Support Changing Our City Code

[CluckNorrisMN]

Hello,

My name is Joe and our family moved to Minnetrista, MN about 3 years ago. Coming from Minnetonka we didn't think twice about this smaller (more rural) town allowing us to raise a backyard flock. To our surprise, about 3 months in a nosey neighbor decided we "might have chickens" and (although they had no confirmation) called us in. I've since spoken to the neighbor and they agreed the chickens have caused no harm or issue and they regret calling. It was a bored older woman and I've successfully bribed her with eggs to keep quiet . After a long conversation with the police officer I confirmed that the ordinance is extremely dated and essentially classifies chickens as a general "farm animal" and therefore requires the same zoning or acreage as cattle or adult horses. Ridiculous!

The good news is I've contacted the City Council and was encouraged to pursue change for our community with the support of several council members! I'm posting here to begin gaining community support for the change.

Please comment below if you're local and support the change. I am hoping to keep this extremely simple for the board and allow a quick way to see the benefits for our community. Also, I'm no lawyer or activist so if you're not local but have experience driving change like this feel free to offer advice and guidance as well.

 

[Debbie292d]

I was raised in rural Minnesota, but not there. Every city/town has its own ordinances, so what I would do is look at some of the other ones posted in this forum and draw up a couple of them to suggest for your city council to look at.

That's great they are open to it! I'd just be ready for a lot of questions.

 

[Mari Anna]

Hello,

My name is Joe and our family moved to Minnetrista, MN about 3 years ago. Coming from Minnetonka we didn't think twice about this smaller (more rural) town allowing us to raise a backyard flock. To our surprise, about 3 months in a nosey neighbor decided we "might have chickens" and (although they had no confirmation) called us in. I've since spoken to the neighbor and they agreed the chickens have caused no harm or issue and they regret calling. It was a bored older woman and I've successfully bribed her with eggs to keep quiet . After a long conversation with the police officer I confirmed that the ordinance is extremely dated and essentially classifies chickens as a general "farm animal" and therefore requires the same zoning or acreage as cattle or adult horses. Ridiculous!

The good news is I've contacted the City Council and was encouraged to pursue change for our community with the support of several council members! I'm posting here to begin gaining community support for the change.

Please comment below if you're local and support the change. I am hoping to keep this extremely simple for the board and allow a quick way to see the benefits for our community. Also, I'm no lawyer or activist so if you're not local but have experience driving change like this feel free to offer advice and guidance as well.

Hi, Chuck, I support the change. LMK if I can do anything to move it along. I live in Minnetrista

 

[CluckNorrisMN]

Hi, Chuck, I support the change. LMK if I can do anything to move it along. I live in Minnetrista

Hi Mari Anna, I just sent you a DM on here. Good news is we have a very supportive councilwoman and most of the heavy lifting is done. They've asked for a minor edit to the language, funding for the code change, and 10 or so letters in support from Minnetrista residents.

That being said, to anyone casually scrolling this post we would love any financial or written support if you're a resident. Thank you!

 

[azalea_dahlen]

Hello,

We moved to Minnetrista about 6 years ago and have been really wanting chickens, but only have a half-acre property. So, we strongly support the change! Please let me know what we can do (how to send a letter) and change in code cost info. Thank you!!

 

[CluckNorrisMN]

Hello,

We moved to Minnetrista about 6 years ago and have been really wanting chickens, but only have a half-acre property. So, we strongly support the change! Please let me know what we can do (how to send a letter) and change in code cost info. Thank you!!

Hi, I'll send you a note as well. Letters should be addressed to the Minnetrista City Council. Include your name and address. Ideally, try to get one from each neighbor showing support as well.

Code change fee is $1,400. Councilwoman Claudia Lacey committed $100. So right now I'm looking at $1,300. Happy to discuss via private message if you're open to contributing. Thanks!!