HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 01 - Animals (2)ANIMALS — CHAPTER 1
Section
Definitions...................................................................................................................................... 1-101
LicensesRequired.......................................................................................................................... 1-102
LicenseFees................................................................................................................................... 1-103
Application Procedures and Issuance of Licenses......................................................................... 1-104
Standard for Commercial Kennels................................................................................................. 1-106
RabiesVaccination Required......................................................................................................... 1-107
Tags................................................................................................................................................ 1-108
Limit on Number of Cats and Dogs............................................................................................... 1-109
NuisanceProhibited....................................................................................................................... 1-110
Runningat Large Prohibited.......................................................................................................... 1-111
AnimalControl Officer.................................................................................................................. 1-112
Enforcement Procedures................................................................................................................ 1-1 13
Quarantine......................................................................................................................................
1-1 14
DangerousAnimals........................................................................................................................
1-115
TreatmentsDuring Impounding.....................................................................................................
1-116
Redemption of Impounded Animals..............................................................................................
1-117
Disposal of Unredeemed Animals.................................................................................................
1-118
Abandonment.................................................................................................................................
1-119
Chickens.........................................................................................................................................
1-130
Beekeeping.....................................................................................................................................
1-140
Feedingof Deer Prohibited............................................................................................................
1-200
Definitions......................................................................................................................................
1-250
Declaration of Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous Dogs............................................................
1-255
City of Brooklyn Center City Ordinance
ANIMALS — CHAPTER 1
Section
Reviewof Declaration................................................................................................................... 1-260
Registration.................................................................................................................................... 1-265
Potentially Dangerous and Dangerous Dogs; Additional Requirements ....................................... 1-270
Seizure............................................................................................................................................ 1-275
Restrictions on Dog Ownership..................................................................................................... 1-276
Destruction of Dog in Certain Circumstances............................................................................... 1-280
Penalty............................................................................................................................................ 1-300
City of Brooklyn Center City Ordinance
CHAPTER 1 — ANIMALS
Section 1-101. DEFINITIONS. The following terms, when used in this ordinance, have
the meanings ascribed to them:
1. Accredited Minnesota Institution. Accredited Minnesota institution means an
educational institution holding accredited status which has been licensed or
registered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education at the time a registrant
obtained their certification.
2. Animal. Animal means dogs, cats, and chickens.
3. Animal Control Officer. Animal Control Officer means that person or agency
designated by the City Manager to control the keeping of animals within Brooklyn
Center.
4. Apiar. Apiary means the assembly of one or more colonies of bees on a property.
5. Apiary Site. Apiary site means the particular portions of a property upon which
one or more hives are located.
6. At Large. At large means an animal that is off the property of its owner and not
under restraint.
7. Beekeeper. Beekeeper means a person who owns or has charge of one or more
colonies of honeybees or a person who owns or controls a property on which a
colony is located whether or not the person is intentionally keeping honeybees.
8. Beekeeping Equipment. Beekeeping equipment means anything used in the
operation of an apiary, such as hive bodies, supers, frames, top and bottom boards,
and extractors.
9. Chicken. Chicken means a domesticated bird (Gallus gallus domesticus), typically
used as a source of meat or eggs. For the purposes of Section 1-130, all references
to chickens are to hens.
10. Chicken Coop. Chicken coop means a structure for the keeping or housing of
chickens permitted by this Chapter.
11. Chicken Run. Chicken run means a fully -enclosed and covered area attached to a
coop where the chickens can roam unsupervised.
12. Colony. Colony means an aggregate of honey bees consisting principally of
workers, but having, when perfect, one queen and at times drones, brood, combs,
and honey.
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13. Commercial Kennel. Commercial Kennel means any place limited to C2, I-1, and
I-2 zoning districts where the business of keeping, raising, selling, boarding,
breeding, showing, treating, or grooming of dogs and other animals is conducted,
including pet shops, animal hospitals, and other similar establishments.
14. Family. Any of the following definitions shall apply:
a. A person or persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, together with
any domestic servants or gratuitous guests, maintaining a common
household in a dwelling unit;
b. Group or foster care of not more than six (6) wards or clients by an
authorized person or persons, related by blood, marriage, or adoption,
together with any domestic servants or gratuitous guests, all maintaining a
common household in a dwelling unit approved and certified by the
appropriate public agency;
C. A group of not more than five (5) persons not related by blood, marriage,
or adoption maintaining a common household in a dwelling unit.
15. Flay Barrier. Flyway barrier means a barrier that raises the flight path of bees
as they come and go from a hive.
16. Hen. Hen means a female chicken.
17. Hive. Hive means the receptacle inhabited by a colony.
18. Honey Bee or Bee. Honey bee or bee means all life stages of the common domestic
honey bee, apis mellifera. This term does not include wasps, hornets, African
subspecies, or Africanized hybrids.
19. Nucleus Colony. Nucleus colony means a small quantity of honey bees with a
queen housed in a smaller than usual hive box designed for a particular purpose,
and containing no supers.
20. Owner. Owner means any person or the parent or guardian of a person under 18
years of age who owns, keeps, or has custody of an animal in the City of Brooklyn
Center.
21. Person. Person means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, joint venture or
association.
22. Registrant. Registrant is any registered beekeeper and any person who has applied
for approval of a beekeeping registration.
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23. Rooftop. Rooftop means, for the purpose of regulating beekeeping, the uppermost
section of a primary or accessory structure of at least one full story and at least
twelve feet in height. Areas including, but not limited to, decks, patios and
balconies shall not be considered a rooftop.
24. Rooster. Rooster means a male chicken.
25. Super. Super means a box that holds the frames where bees will store the honey.
26. Swarming. Swarming means the process where a queen bee leaves a colony with
a large group of worker bees in order to form a new honey bee colony.
27. Under Restraint means an animal that is controlled by a leash or at heel besides a
competent person having custody of it and obedient to that person's commands, or
within a vehicle being driven or parked on a public street, or if it is within the
property limits of its owner's premises.
28. Unusual Aggressive Behavior. Unusually aggressive behavior means, for the
purpose of regulating beekeeping, any instance in which unusual aggressive
characteristics such as stinging or attacking without provocation occurs. For the
purposes of this definition, "provocation" means an act that an adult could
reasonably expect may cause a bee to sting or attack.
29. Wild Animal. Wild animal means any animal that is not normally domesticated in
the state including, but not limited to, raccoons, turkeys, coyotes, foxes, deer, feral
cats, skunks, and waterfowl.
Section 1-102. LICENSE REQUIRED.
Commercial Kennel License. Every person operating a commercial kennel shall annually
obtain from the City Clerk, upon authorization by the City Council, a commercial kennel
license. Commercial kennel licenses shall be posted in a conspicuous place within the
licensed premises.
Section 1-103. LICENSE FEES. The license fee for each commercial kennel license, each
renewal license, and each impounding penalty described herein shall be as set forth by City Council
resolution. Every such license shall expire on September 30 next after its issuance.
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1. Refunds, Prorating, and Transfers. No commercial kennel license fee shall be
refunded or prorated, the provisions of Chapter 23 of Brooklyn Center Ordinances
notwithstanding. No license required hereunder shall be transferable.
Section 1-104. APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSES.
Applications for all licenses required by this Chapter shall be made to the City Clerk.
1. Application for Commercial Kennel License.
a. Initial application for a commercial kennel license shall be made to the City
Clerk. The application shall state the name and address of the applicant, the
property address or legal description of the proposed kennel location, a
sketch or drawing of the proposed kennel describing construction,
operation, and the approximate number of animals to be confined therein,
together with their age, breed, and sex, and together with the applicable
license fee.
b. Hearing Required. A commercial kennel license application shall be
referred to the Public Health Sanitarian who shall review the kennel design
and operation and make a recommendation to the City Council on the
adequacy thereof. Applications for commercial kennel license shall be
placed on the agenda of the City Council for a public hearing at the regular
City Council meeting next following 14 days after the application is
received. Not less than seven (7) days before the date of the public hearing,
the City Clerk shall mail notice of the hearing to the applicant and to the
owners of property within 150 feet of the proposed kennel location. The
failure of any owner to receive such notice shall not invalidate the
proceedings.
C. Council Approval. The City Council may approve the commercial kennel
license and may attach to such approval any conditions necessary to insure
compliance with this ordinance, with Chapter 19 of City Ordinances, and
any other condition necessary to protect the health, safety, welfare, and
property values in the immediate area. The City Council may deny a
commercial kennel license upon finding that the establishment of the kennel
would constitute a public nuisance, or would adversely affect the health,
safety, welfare or property values of the person residing, living, or owning
property within the immediate area. The form of approval for a license shall
be the resolution of approval, a certified copy of which shall be forwarded
to the applicant.
d. Renewal of License. A copy of the commercial kennel license shall be
forwarded to the City Clerk who shall maintain a register of kennel licenses.
Subject to any time limitation set by the City Council, the license shall be
valid for a period of one year and until October 1 of the then current calendar
City of Brooklyn Center 1-4 City Ordinance
year and shall be renewable on October 1 of each year thereafter by the City
Clerk upon payment of a renewal license fee set forth by City Council
resolution, only in the event no complaint regarding the kennel's operation
has been received during the license year. In the event that no revocation
of the license is made or contemplated by the City Council, the license shall
be renewable as set forth in this subdivision.
e. License Revocation. In the event a complaint has been received by City
officials, a report thereof shall be made to the City Council by the City Clerk
and the City Council may direct the applicant to appear to show cause why
the license should not be revoked. A license may be revoked for violation
of this ordinance, Chapter 19 of the Brooklyn Center Ordinances, or any
condition imposed at the time of issuance.
f. Condition of License. No license shall be granted or renewed for operation
on any property on which taxes, assessments, or other financial claims of
the state, county, school district, or city are due, delinquent, or unpaid. In
the event a suit has been commenced under Minn. Stat.§ 278.01 to 278.03,
questioning the amount or validity of taxes, the City Council may on
application waive strict compliance with this provision; no waiver may be
granted, however, for taxes or any portion thereof which remain unpaid for
a period exceeding one (1) year after becoming due.
Section 1-106. STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL KENNELS. All commercial
kennels shall be designed, operated and maintained according to the following standards:l.
Commercial kennel floors and walls shall be constructed of impervious materials and all
structures, areas, and appurtenances shall be designed to facilitate thorough and convenient
cleaning. Commercial kennels shall be adequately ventilated and all doors, windows, and other
openings to the outside shall be screened, May through October. The commercial kennels shall be
provided with adequate and potable water supplies and shall be equipped with sewer facilities.
Plans for all new commercial kennels and repairs or alterations to existing commercial kennels
must be filed with and approved by the City's Public Health Sanitarian as a condition of the license.
2. Operating Standards. The licensee, its agents and employees shall operate and
maintain the kennel in accordance with standards set out in Title 9, Chapter 1,
Subchapter A, Part 3, Section 3.100 through 3.106 of the United States Department
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a copy of which is
adopted by reference.
Section 1-107. RABIES VACCINATION REQUIRED. A person who owns, harbors, or
keeps a dog over six months old within the city must have the dog vaccinated by a licensed
veterinarian with an anti -rabies vaccine that is currently effective. A vaccination certificate is valid
only for the dog and owner to which it is issued. A person must not use a rabies vaccination
certificate for a different dog than the one for which it was issued.
Section 1-108. TAGS. A person who owns, harbors, or keeps a dog over six months old
City of Brooklyn Center 1-5 City Ordinance
within the city must securely attach an identification tag or plate to the dog's collar so that it can
be readily seen. The tag or plate must contain the name and home telephone number of the owner
or other person who is keeping the dog. The identification tag or plate must be worn by the dog
at all times when it is off the owner's or keeper's property.
Section 1-109. LIMIT ON NUMBER OF CATS AND DOGS. Because the keeping of
three (3) or more dogs or four (4) or more cats in the family dwelling unit or on the family premises
is subject to great abuse, causing discomfort to persons in the area, by way of smell, noise, hazard,
and general aesthetic depreciation, and because the irresponsible maintenance of three (3) or more
dogs or four (4) or more cats within a residential area has been the source of a variety of complaints,
no family or family member shall keep, harbor, or have custody of more than two (2) dogs, or
more than three (3) cats, or a combination of more than five (5) animals exceeding six months of
age in the family dwelling unit or on the family premises.
Section 1-110. NUISANCE PROHIBITED. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep
an animal in any unsanitary place or condition, or in a manner which results in noisome odors, or
in any way which constitutes a nuisance or a disturbance by reason of barking, howling, fighting,
or other noise, or to maintain or permit a condition which unreasonably annoys, injures, or
endangers the safety, health, morals, comfort, or repose of any person or property.
Section 1-111. RUNNING AT LARGE PROHIBITED. It shall be unlawful for any owner
to allow its animal to run at large.
Section 1-112. ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The City Council may provide for a
City Animal Pound, either within or outside the corporate limits and may provide for an Animal
Control Officer to enforce this ordinance.
Section 1-113. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES. The Animal Control Officer may
capture and impound any animal running at large.
Section 1-114. QUARANTINE. Any animal, including wild animals that have bitten a
person shall immediately be impounded for at least 10 days and kept apart from other animals,
under the supervision of a veterinarian, until it is determined whether such animal had or has a
disease which might have been transmitted by such bite. Such impounding may be done by the
owner, and need not be at the pound designated by the City, but if it is not at the designated pound,
the owner shall notify the police department immediately and shall furnish proof in writing that
such animal is being so impounded. Upon the expiration of 10 days, if it is determined that the
animal does not have a disease which might have been transmitted by such bite, it may be released,
and the police department shall be notified immediately prior to such release by the owner of the
animal. If the animal is impounded at the designated pound, it may be reclaimed as hereinafter
provided. Any animal which has been bitten by a rabid animal shall be killed or impounded and
kept in the same manner for a period of six months; provided that if the animal which has been
bitten by a rabid animal has been vaccinated at least three weeks before such bite and within one
year of such bite and if it is again immediately vaccinated, then such animal shall be confined or
impounded for a period of 40 days before it is released. The owner of an animal which has been
bitten by a rabid animal shall notify the police department immediately prior to the release of any
City of Brooklyn Center 1-6 City Ordinance
such animal.
Section 1-115. DANGEROUS ANIMALS. If an animal is diseased, vicious, dangerous,
rabid or exposed to rabies and such animal cannot be impounded after a reasonable effort or cannot
be impounded without serious risk to any person or persons, or if the animal has made more than
one attack on a person or persons, such animal may be immediately killed by or under the direction
of a police officer.
Section 1-116. TREATMENTS DURING IMPOUNDING. Any animal which is
impounded in the designated pound shall be kept in accordance with Section 1-106 of this
ordinance. If the animal is not known or suspected of being diseased and has not bitten a person
or been bitten by a rabid animal, it shall be kept in the pound for at least five days, unless it is
sooner reclaimed by its owner. If such animal is known to be or is suspected of being diseased
with a disease which might be transmitted to persons, it shall be kept in the pound for at least 10
days.
Section 1-117. REDEMPTION OF IMPOUNDED ANIMALS. Any animal may be
redeemed from the pound by the owner upon payment of the following:
1. The amount of the boarding fee which the City is required to pay the pound keeper.
2. An impounding penalty as set forth by City Council resolution.
The City Manager or the City Manager's designee may waive the late -license penalty and
the impounding penalty for persons other than the owner in cases of sale in accordance with
Section 1-118 of this ordinance.
Section 1-118. DISPOSAL OF UNREDEEMED ANIMALS. The City's designated
pound keeper shall make an effort to contact the owner of any animal which has been impounded
and which has identification on it. If at the end of the impounding period the animal is not
reclaimed by the owner, such animal shall be deemed to have been abandoned and may be disposed
of or sold to any person following the procedures contained in Minn. Stat. § 514.93 relating to the
sale of unclaimed animals by veterinarians.
Section 1-119. ABANDONMENT. It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon any
animal, including wild animals in Brooklyn Center.
Section 1-130. CHICKENS.
1. Keeping_. Up to six (6) chickens may be kept on a single-family or two-family
residential property in the Rl and R2 Zoning Districts. Only hens may be kept
pursuant to this Section. The keeping of one or more chickens in any other zoning
district in the City is prohibited.
2. Requirements. Chickens allowed by this Section shall be kept in accordance with
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all of the following:
a. Ownership Occupancy. The owner of the chickens shall live in the dwelling on
the same property as the chickens are kept. If the property is not owner -
occupied, then the property owner must provide a written statement to the City
of permission for the occupants to keep chickens at the property.
b. Chicken Coops and Runs. Chickens shall be kept at all times in a chicken coop
or chicken run that complies with the requirements of this Section.
3. Chicken Coops and Chicken Runs. Chicken coops and chicken runs shall comply
with the following requirements and restrictions.
a. The area covered by a chicken coop and a chicken run is limited to a combined
total of no more than 120 square feet and shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.
b. Any chicken coop that exceeds 30 square feet shall be considered an accessory
structure and must meet all requirements in Section 35-530 of this Code.
All applicable building, property maintenance, and zoning requirements of
Chapter 35 of this Code.
d. All electrical work shall be done in accordance with applicable codes and any
required permits shall be obtained.
A chicken coop shall:
1) Be fully enclosed, wind proof, and constructed so as to prevent escape by
any chickens or entrance by migratory birds;
2) Be winterized to protect the chickens in cold weather; and
3) Be constructed with architecturally appropriate building materials
including exterior grade siding and either a metal, composite or shingled
roof, or in the alternative, coop shall be purchased from a commercial
source that constructs structures specifically to be used as coops
for chickens.
f. A chicken run shall:
1) Be fully enclosed with a fence that is securely constructed with mesh type
material no larger than one (1) inch; and
2) Be covered by protective overhead netting to keep chickens separated
from other animals.
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g. Be located in accordance with all of the following:
1) Entirely in the rear yard of the property;
2) At least five (5) feet from side or rear lot lines and shall not be erected,
altered, or moved, within six (6) feet of the principle building, as
measured from exterior wall to exterior wall;
3) At least thirty (30) feet from all dwellings on adjacent properties; and
4) Shall not be located closer to an adjacent street than the owner's dwelling.
h. Shall be removed and the site restored if the keeping of chickens is
discontinued for more than six (6) months.
4. Prevention of Nuisance Conditions. Owners shall care for chickens in a humane
manner and shall prevent nuisance conditions by ensuring that all of the following
conditions are met.
a. The chicken coop and chicken run shall be maintained in good repair, and in a
clean and sanitary manner free of vermin and objectionable odors.
b. Feces and discarded feed shall be regularly collected and stored in a leak -proof
container with a tight -fitting cover to prevent nuisance odors and the attraction
of vermin until it can be disposed of properly.
c. Chicken feed shall be stored in leak -proof containers with a tight -fitting cover
to prevent attracting vermin.
d. Chickens shall be secured inside of a chicken coop from sunset to sunrise each
day to prevent nuisance noise and attracting predators.
Chickens shall remain in either the chicken coop or chicken run at all times and
shall be allowed to not run at large.
5. Prohibitions. All of the following are prohibited within the City and constitute a
violation of this Code.
a. Keeping of roosters.
b. Cockfighting.
Slaughter of chickens.
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d. Raising chickens for breeding purposes.
Keeping of chickens over the age of four (4) weeks inside of a dwelling or
garage.
f. Commercial sale of poultry or eggs produced on the property.
Section 1-140. BEEKEEPING.
Restricted. No person shall keep, harbor, maintain, or allow to be kept any hive or
other facility for the housing of honeybees on or in any property in the City unless
the person is registered with the City as provided in this Section and the bees are
kept at an approved apiary site on the registrant's property. Hives may only be
located on a single-family or two-family residential property in the R1 and R2
Zoning Districts and no more than four (4) hives may be kept on a property. The
keeping of any hives in any other zoning district in the City is prohibited.
2. Registration Process.
a. A person seeking to register to keep bees must submit an application using the
City's approved form. All requested information must be provided along with the
application fee in the amount set by the City Council. Incomplete applications
will not be processed.
b. The registrant shall live in the dwelling on the same property that is to serve as the
apiary. If the registrant does not own the property, the property owner must
provide a written statement to the City of permission for the registrant to keep
bees on the property and acknowledging the City's right to inspect the property as
provided in this Section.
c. Submission of an application for registration constitutes consent by the
registrant, and any other person who may have an interest in the property to
which the application relates, for the City to inspect the apiary sites as
provided in this Section.
d. Apiary sites may only be located on a single-family or two-family residential
property located in the R1 and R2 Zoning Districts.
e. The property on which an apiary is to be located must be in compliance with all
applicable City regulations.
f. Each proposed apiary site must be identified on the application along with such
additional information as may be required to demonstrate that each such site
complies with the colony location restrictions in this Section.
g. No bees may be brought to an apiary site until it is registered by the City.
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h. The initial application for registration must be accompanied by a certificate of
attendance indicating the registrant has completed a beekeeping training and
education course conducted by an accredited Minnesota institution.
i. The City shall inspect the property on which a new apiary site is proposed before
issuing a registration for the site.
j. An application for registration shall be submitted to the Community Development
Department and shall be acted on administratively. If the application proposes a
new apiary site, the City shall send written notice of the proposed registration to
the owners of property located within two hundred (200) feet of the property line
of the property on which the new apiary site is to be located. Any owner within
the notification area may submit a written objection to the registration to the City
within fourteen (14) days of the date of the notice. The City shall consider the
written objections received from within the notice area before acting on an
application. If a resident living within the notice area submits a timely written
objection that includes written medical documentation from a licensed physician
that the person is allergic to honeybee venom, the City shall deny the application.
k. The City shall provide written notice of its decision on the application to the
registrant and to any owner within the notice area that submitted a written
objection. Any such person may appeal the City's decision by filing a notice of
appeal with the City within fourteen (14) days of the date of the notice of
decision. The notice of appeal must state the specific grounds for the appeal and
identify the requested relief. Timely appeals shall be processed and acted on as
provided in this Section.
1. An approved registration is limited to the particular person and the approved
apiary sites only. Any proposed change in the beekeeper, apiary site, or the
addition of a new apiary site shall require a new registration.
in. A registration shall be valid until March 31 of the second calendar year following
initial issuance and shall be renewed by the registrant prior to expiration every
other year by submitting a renewal form to the Community Development
Department on the form provided by the City. If the registration is not renewed,
the beekeeper is required to remove all bees and beekeeping equipment from the
property within ninety (90) days.
3. Inspections.
a. If an application is for a new apiary site, the City shall inspect the property prior
to acting on the registration.
b. Upon prior notice to the owner of the apiary, City staff shall have the right to
inspect any registered apiary.
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c. In the case of a complaint regarding an apiary, City staff may inspect the apiary at
all reasonable times without prior notice to the owner of the apiary.
4. Colony Location Restrictions. A registrant shall locate hives in accordance with all
of the following provisions.
a. Entirely in rear yard of the property.
b. At least five (5) feet from side or rear lot lines and shall not be erected, altered, or
moved within six (6) feet of the principle building, as measured from exterior wall
to exterior walls.
c. At least thirty (30) feet from all dwellings on adjacent properties.
d. Not located closer to an adjacent street than the dwelling on the property. This
restriction does not apply to an alley that may be adjacent to a property.
e. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, in each instance where any part of
a hive is kept within thirty (30) feet of a lot line of the apiary site, a flyway barrier
of at least six (6) feet in height must be constructed that complies with the
following:
1) The flyway barrier must consist of a wall, fence or dense vegetation that
requires honey bees to fly over, rather than through, the barrier;
2) If a dense vegetation flyway barrier is used, the initial planting may be a
minimum of four (4) feet in height, but the vegetation must reach a height of
at least six (6) feet within two (2) years after installation;
3) If a wall or fence flyway barrier is used, the materials must be decay
resistant, maintained in good condition, and constructed in accordance with
Chapter 35 of this Code;
4) The flyway barrier must extend parallel to the lot line of the apiary site for at
least ten (10) feet in both directions from the hive or must contain the hive or
hives in an enclosure at least six (6) feet in height; and
5) A flyway barrier is not required if the hive is located on a rooftop.
5. Conditions. The following conditions and requirements apply to every registration
issued by the City under this Section. Failure to comply with any of these conditions,
or any other requirements of this Section, shall constitute sufficient grounds to suspend,
revoke, or non -renew a registration.
a. Compliance with all standards, requirements, and limitations contained in this
Section.
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b. No more than four (4) hives may be kept at an approved apiary site.
c. The hives shall be removed and the property restored if the keeping of bees is
discontinued for more than six (6) months.
d. A registrant is prohibited from keeping bees at any location in the City other than
the apiary sites approved for a property as part of the registration.
e. Honeybee colonies shall be kept in hives with removable frames which shall be
kept in sound and usable condition.
f. For each colony permitted to be maintained by this Section, there may also be
maintained upon the same apiary, one nucleus colony in a hive structure not to
exceed one standard nine and five -eighths (9 5/8) inch depth box, 10-frame hive
body with a maximum of five (5) supers.
g. Colonies within an apiary shall be provided with a convenient source of water,
which must be located within ten (10) feet of each active colony.
h. Beekeeping equipment must be maintained in good condition, including keeping
the hives free of chipped and peeling paint (if painted), and any unused equipment
must be stored in an enclosed structure.
i. Materials from a hive such as wax combs or other materials that might encourage
robbing by other bees shall be promptly disposed of in a sealed container or
placed within a building or other bee and vermin proof enclosure.
j. Hives shall be continuously managed to provide adequate living space for their
resident honeybees in order to prevent swarming.
k. In any instance in which a colony exhibits unusual aggressive behavior, it shall be
the duty of the beekeeper to promptly re -queen the colony.
6. Temporary Keeping. If a registered beekeeper serves the community by removing a
swarm or swarms of honeybees from locations where they are not desired, that
person shall not be considered in violation of the colony density restrictions in this
Section if the following conditions are met:
a. The beekeeper temporarily houses the honeybees at an apiary site of a beekeeper
registered with the City;
b. The bees are not kept for more than thirty (30) days; and
c. The apiary site remains in compliance with the other provisions of this Section.
7. Suspension, Revocation, or Non -Renewal.
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a. The City may suspend, revoke, or non -renew any registration issued under this
Section due to any of the following:
1) The keeping ofhoneybees in a manner which constitutes anuisance to
the health, safety, or general welfare of the public;
2) Fraud, misrepresentation, or a false statement contained in a registration
or renewal application, or during the course of the registered activity;
or
3) Any violation of the conditions or requirements of this Section, or of
any applicable provisions in this Code related to the property.
b. The City shall provide the registrant written notice of a violation and identify the
period in which the violation must be corrected. If the registrant fails to correct the
violation in accordance with the notice, the City may provide the registrant a written
notice of its intent to suspend, revoke, or non -renew the registration. The notice
shall indicate the registrant has an opportunity to be heard before the City takes any
action on the registration. If requested, the City shall schedule a hearing and
provide notice to the registrant. The City Manager may elect to conduct the hearing
or to assign the matter to a hearing officer appointed by the City. The decision of
the City Manager or the hearing officer on the suspension, revocation, or non -
renewal shall be issued in writing and provided to the registrant. The registrant may
appeal the decision by filing a notice of appeal with the City within fourteen (14)
days of the date of the notice of decision. The notice of appeal must state the
specific grounds for the appeal and identify the requested relief. Timely appeals
shall be processed and acted on as provided in this Section.
8. Appeals. An appeal brought under this Section shall be heard by a hearing officer
appointed by the City. The City shall provide the appellant at least ten (10) written
notice of the hearing. At the hearing, the appellant may speak and present witnesses
and other evidence. If the registrant is not the appellant, that person shall also be
provided an opportunity to speak and present witnesses or other evidence at the
hearing. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written
decision that includes findings of fact. The City shall provide the appellant and the
registrant (if not the appellant) a copy ofthe hearing officer's decision.
Section 1-200. FEEDING OF WILD ANIMALS PROHIBITED. No person may place, or
permit to be placed on the ground or within five (5) feet of the ground surface, any grain, fruit,
nuts, fodder, salt licks, or any other food, including feed for birds, which may reasonably be
expected to result in wild animal feeding, except as follows:
l . Feeding programs or efforts undertaken by the City in accordance with its wildlife
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management plan;
2. Veterinarians, City Animal Control Officers, or county, state or federal game officials
who, in the course of their duties, have wild animals in their custody;
Any food placed upon the property for the purpose of trapping or otherwise taking
wild animals where such trapping or taking is pursuant to a permit issued by the
Department of Natural Resources;
4. Planting of seeds or plants for the purpose of establishing or maintaining a lawn or
garden, covering gardens or plants with straw for the purpose of providing protection
during winter months or when establishing new lawns, or using straw bales for erosion
control;
The presence of living food sources, such as fruit trees or other live vegetation, in their
natural state; or
6. Feeding of small birds using self -enclosed feeding devices or containers where the
access to the feed it located at least 5 feet above the ground. If a person is not
physically able to place the bird feeding materials at that height, a lower height is
permitted, provided the feeding occurs in a way that does not promote the feeding of
other wild animals.
Section 1-250. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of Sections 1-250 through 1-280, the
terms defined in this Section shall have the meaning given them. Terms not defined in this Section
shall have the meaning given them in Section 1-101 of this Code.
1. Dangerous dog, Dangerous dog means any dog that has:
a. without provocation, inflicted substantial bodily harm on a human being or
domestic animal on public or private property;
b. been found to be potentially dangerous and after the owner has notice that
the dog is potentially dangerous, the dog aggressively bites, attacks, or
endangers the safety of humans or domestic animals; or
C. been determined to be a dangerous dog by the City or any other
governmental jurisdiction.
2. Potentially dangerous dog_ Potentially dangerous dog means any dog that:
a. when unprovoked, has inflicted a bite on a human being or domestic animal
on public or private property;
b. when unprovoked, has chased or approached a person, including a person
on a bicycle, upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public or private property,
other than the dog owner's property, in an apparent attitude of attack;
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C. has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked,
causing injury or otherwise threatening the safety of humans or domestic
animals; or
d. has been determined to be a potentially dangerous dog by any other
governmental jurisdiction.
3. Proper Enclosure. Proper enclosure means securely confined indoors or in a
securely enclosed and locked pen or structure suitable to prevent the animal from
escaping and providing protection from the elements for the dog. A proper
enclosure does not include a porch, patio, or any part of a house, garage, or other
structure that would allow the dog to exit of its own volition, or any house or
structure in which windows are open or in which door or window screens are the
only obstacles that prevent the dog from exiting.
4. Owner. Owner means any person, firm, corporation organization, or department
possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having care, custody, or
control of a dog.
5. Great bodily Great bodily harm means bodily injury which creates a high
probability of death, or which causes serious permanent disfigurement, or which
causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily
member or organ or other serious bodily harm.
6. Substantial bodily harm. Substantial bodily harm means bodily injury which
invokes a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which causes a temporary but
substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or
which causes a fracture of any bodily member.
7. Animal Control Officer. Animal Control Officer means an individual who has
been designated for animal control operations within the jurisdiction of the City.
8. City Manager. City Manager means the City Manager or the City Manager's
designee.
9. Provocation. Provocation means an act that an adult could reasonably expect may
cause a dog to attack or bite.
Section 1-255. DECLARATION OF DANGEROUS OR POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS DOGS.
I. Adoption by Reference. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 1-250 to 1-300,
the regulatory and procedural provisions of Minn. Stat. § 347.50 to 347.565 are
adopted by reference.
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2. Declaration by Police or Animal Control. A police officer, community service
officer, or Animal Control Officer may declare a dog to be dangerous or potentially
dangerous.
3. Exceptions.
a. The provisions of Sections 1-250 to 1-300 do not apply to dogs used by
law enforcement officials for police work.
b. Dogs may not be declared dangerous or potentially dangerous if the threat,
injury or danger was sustained by a person who was: i) committing a
willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of
the dog; ii) provoking, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog, or who
can be shown to have a history of repeatedly provoking, tormenting,
abusing, or assaulting the dog; or, iii) committing or attempting to commit
a crime.
4. Notice to Owner. If a dog is declared potentially dangerous or dangerous according
to the criteria in Section 1-250 (1) or (2), the Animal Control Officer will give
notice, by delivering or mailing it to the owner of the dog, of intent to declare the
dog potentially dangerous or dangerous. Such notice shall inform the owner of this
designation, the basis for the designation, the procedures for contesting the
designation as described in Section 1-255 (5) (a) and the result of the failure to
contest the designation as described in Section 1-255 (5) (b). Upon receipt of notice
of intent, the dog owner must comply with the requirements of Section 1-270 (1)
and continue to comply with such requirements until the dog is dead or removed
from the City, or the City has determined that the dog is not dangerous or potentially
dangerous. The owner shall be informed of this requirement in the notice of intent.
5. Contesting Declaration of Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous Dogs.
a. If the owner of a dog has received a notice of intent under Section 1-255
(4), the owner may request that a hearing be conducted to determine whether
or not such a designation is justified. Such request must be made in writing
and delivered to the City Manager within 14 days of receipt of the notice of
intent. A hearing fee as set forth by City Council resolution must be paid
prior to scheduling the hearing. In the event that the declaration is
overturned, the hearing fee will be returned to the owner.
b. If the owner fails to contest the notice of intent within 14 days, the owner
forfeits the right to a hearing and the declaration of the dog as potentially
dangerous or dangerous is final. The City Manager will then issue a
declaration to the owner and the owner must comply with all applicable
requirements of this Section or cause the dog to be humanely destroyed or
removed from the City limits.
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6. Hearing Procedure. Within ten days after receiving the owner's request for a
hearing, the City Manager will notify the dog owner of the hearing date. The
hearing will be scheduled within forty-five days. The hearing will be conducted by
the Animal Control Review Panel, which will consist of three members, as
appointed by the Mayor. The owner may call witnesses and present evidence on
his or her behalf. A simple majority of the members of the Panel is necessary for a
finding that the dog is either dangerous or potentially dangerous. The Panel will
inform the owner of its decision in writing and must state the reasons for its
decision.
7. Effect of Findings. If the Panel finds that there is a sufficient basis to declare the
dog potentially dangerous or dangerous, the owner must immediately comply with
all applicable requirements of Sections 1-265 to 1-270 or immediately cause the
dog to be humanely destroyed or removed from the City limits.
8. Appeal. If the owner of the dog disputes the decision of the Panel, the owner may
appeal the decision of the Panel to the City Council. An appeal to the City Council
must be in writing and submitted to the City Manager within 14 days of the Panel's
decision. The owner may appeal the decision of the City Council in accordance
with procedures under state law.
Section 1-260. REVIEW OF DECLARATION. Beginning six months after notice is given
of intent to declare a dog to be potentially dangerous or dangerous, an owner may request annually
that the Animal Control Review Panel review the designation. A hearing fee as set forth by City
Council resolution must be paid prior to scheduling the hearing. The owner must provide evidence
that the dog's behavior has changed due to the dog's age, neutering, environment, completion of
obedience training that includes modification of aggressive behavior, or other factors. If the Panel
finds sufficient evidence that the dog's behavior has changed, it may rescind the potentially
dangerous or dangerous designation.
Section 1-265. REGISTRATION.
1. Requirement. No person may own a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog in the
City unless the dog is registered as provided in this Section.
2. Certificate of Registration. The City Manager will issue a certificate of registration
to the owner of a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog if the owner presents
sufficient evidence that:
a. a proper enclosure exists for the dog and all accesses to the premises are
posted with clearly visible warning signs issued or approved by the Animal
Control Officer, that there is a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog on
the property;
b. in the case of a dangerous dog only, a surety bond to be held by the City
City of Brooklyn Center 1-18 City Ordinance
Clerk has been issued by a surety company authorized to conduct business
in this state in a form acceptable to the City Clerk and the City Attorney in
the sum of at least $300,000, payable to any person injured by the dangerous
dog, or a policy of liability insurance has been issued by an insurance
company authorized to conduct business in this state in the amount of at
least $300,000, insuring the owner for any personal injuries inflicted by the
dangerous dog;
C. the owner has paid the annual registration fee as provided for in this Section;
and
d. the owner has had microchip identification implanted in the dangerous dog
or potentially dangerous dog as required under Minn. Stat. § 347.515.
3. Warning Sign. If the City issues a certificate of registration to the owner of a
potentially dangerous dog or dangerous dog under Section 1-265 (2), the City will
provide, for posting on the owner's property, a copy of a warning symbol to inform
children that there is a dangerous dog on the property. The City may charge the dog
owner a reasonable fee to cover its administrative costs and the costs of the warning
symbol.
4. Fee. The City will charge the owner an annual fee to obtain a certificate of
registration for a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog. The fee for every such
registration shall be as set forth by City Council resolution. Every such registration
shall expire on September 30 next after its issuance. No registration fee shall be
refunded or prorated.
5. Tag. A potentially dangerous or dangerous dog registered under this Section must
have a tag, issued by the City, identifying the dog as potentially dangerous or
dangerous. This tag must be affixed to the dog's collar and worn by the dog at all
times.
Section 1-270. POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND DANGEROUS DOGS;
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
1. Enclosure and Proper Restraint. An owner of a potentially dangerous or dangerous
dog shall keep the dog, while on the owner's property, in a proper enclosure. If the
dog is outside the proper enclosure, the dog must be muzzled and restrained by a
substantial chain or leash and under the physical restraint of a responsible person.
The muzzle must be made in a manner that will prevent the dog from biting any
person or animal but that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision
or respiration.
2. Registration Renewal. An owner of a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog must
renew the registration of the dog annually until the dog is deceased. If the dog is
removed from the jurisdiction, it must be registered as a potentially dangerous or
City of Brooklyn Center 1-19 City Ordinance
dangerous dog in its new jurisdiction.
3. Death or Transfer. An owner of a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog must
notify the City Manager in writing of the death of the dog or its transfer, and must,
if requested by the City Manager, execute an affidavit under oath setting forth either
the circumstances of the dog's death and disposition or the complete name, address,
and telephone number of the person to whom the dog has been transferred.
4. Sterilization. The Animal Control Officer shall require a potentially dangerous or
dangerous dog to be sterilized at the owner's expense. If the owner does not have
the animal sterilized within 30 days of receipt of notice of intent, the Animal
Control Officer shall have the animal sterilized at the owner's expense. The owner
may contest and appeal a decision requiring a potentially dangerous dog to be
sterilized in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 1-255 (5) (a). Such
request must be made in writing and delivered to the City Manager within 14 days
of receipt of notice of registration. A hearing fee as set forth by City Council
resolution must be paid prior to scheduling the hearing. In the event that the
sterilization requirement is overturned, the hearing fee will be returned to the
owner.
5. Rental Property. A person who owns a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog and
who rents property from another where the dog will reside must disclose to the
property owner prior to entering the lease agreement and at the time of any lease
renewal that the person owns a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog that will
reside at the property. A dog owner, who is currently renting property, must notify
the property owner within 14 days of City notification if the dog is newly declared
as dangerous or potentially dangerous and the owner keeps the dog on the property.
6. Sale. A person who sells a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog must notify the
purchaser that the dog has been declared as potentially dangerous or dangerous.
The seller must also notify the City Manager with the new owner's name, address,
and telephone number.
Section 1-275. SEIZURE.
1. Immediate Seizure.
a. The Animal Control Officer or any police officer or community service
officer may immediately seize any potentially dangerous or dangerous dog
if.
(1) after 14 days after the owner has notice that the dog is potentially
dangerous or dangerous, the dog is not registered as required under
Section 1-265 and no appeal has been filed;
(2)
(2) in the case of a dangerous dog, after 14 days after the owner has
City of Brooklyn Center 1-20 City Ordinance
notice that the dog is dangerous, the owner does not secure the
proper liability insurance or surety coverage as required under
Section 1-265 (2) (b);
(3) the dog is not maintained in the proper enclosure;
(4) the dog is outside the proper enclosure and not under physical
restraint of responsible person as required under Section 1-270 (1);
(5) after the owner has been notified that the dog is potentially
dangerous or dangerous, the dog bites or attacks a person or
domestic animal; or
(6) the dog is not sterilized within 30 days pursuant to Section 1-270
(4).
b. If an owner of a dog is convicted of a crime for which the dog was
originally seized, the court may order that the dog be confiscated and
destroyed in a proper manner, and that the owner pay the costs incurred in
confiscating, confining, and destroying the dog.
2. Reclaimed. A potentially dangerous or dangerous dog seized under Section 1-275
(1) may be reclaimed by the owner of the dog upon payment of impounding and
boarding fees, and presenting proof to the Animal Control Officer that the
requirements of Section 1-265 and Section 1-270 will be met. A dog not reclaimed
within seven days of seizure may be disposed of as provided in Minn. Stat. § 35.71,
subdivision 3. The owner is liable to the City for costs incurred in confining and
disposing of the dog.
3. Subsequent Offenses. If a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor for
violating a provision of Section 1-265 or 1-270, and the person is charged with a
subsequent violation relating to the same dog, the Animal Control Officer must
seize the dog. If the owner is convicted of the crime for which the dog was seized,
the court shall order that the dog be destroyed in a proper and humane manner and
the owner is responsible for paying the cost of confining and destroying the animal.
If the person is not convicted of the crime for which the dog was seized, the owner
may reclaim the dog upon payment to the City of a fee for the care and boarding of
the dog. If the dog is not reclaimed by the owner within seven days after the owner
has been notified that the dog may be reclaimed, the dog may be disposed of as
provided under Minn. Stat. § 35.71, subdivision 3. The owner is liable to the City
for the costs incurred in confining, impounding, and disposing of the dog.
4. Disposition of Seized Dogs.
a. Right to a Hearing. The owner of any seized dog has the right to a hearing
by the Animal Control Review Panel. The notice and hearing requirements
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in Section 1-255 will apply to a hearing requested under this Section. Any
hearing requested under this Section will be held within 14 days of the
request. In the event that the seizure is upheld by the Panel, actual
expenses of the hearing up to a maximum of $1,000 will be the
responsibility of the dog owner. The Panel will issue a decision within ten
days after the hearing. The decision will be hand -delivered to the dog's
owner or delivered via registered mail as soon as practical and a copy will
be provided to the Animal Control Officer and City Manager.
b. Security. A person claiming an interest in a seized dog may prevent
disposition of the dog by posting security in an amount sufficient to provide
for the dog's actual cost of care and keeping. The security must be posted
within seven days of the seizure inclusive of the date of seizure.
Section 1-276. RESTRICTIONS ON DOG OWNERSHIP.
1. Dog ownership prohibited. Except as provided in paragraph 3 of this Section, no
person may own a dog if the person has been:
a. convicted of a third or subsequent violation of Sections 1-265 or 1-270 or
Minn. Stat. § 347.515;
b. convicted of 2nd degree manslaughter due to negligent or intentional use of
a dog under a violation under Minn. Stat. § 609.205, clause 4;
C. convicted of a gross misdemeanor harm caused by a dog under Minn. Stat.
§ 609.226, subdivision 1;
d. been convicted of a violation under Minn. Stat. § 609.226, subdivision 2;
e. had a dog ordered destroyed under Section 1-280 and been convicted of
one or more violations of Section 1-265, 1-270, Minn. Stat. § 347.515 or
609.226, subdivision 2.
2. Household members. If any member of a household is prohibited from owning a
dog under paragraph 1, unless specifically approved with or without restrictions
by the City, no person in the household is permitted to own a dog.
3. Dog ownership prohibition review. Beginning three years after a conviction
under Section 1-276 (1) that prohibits a person from owning a dog, and annually
thereafter, the person may request in writing to the City Manager that the Animal
Control Review Panel review the prohibition. The Panel may consider such facts
as the seriousness of the violation or violations that led to the prohibition, any
criminal convictions, or other facts that the Panel deems appropriate. The Panel
may rescind the prohibition entirely or rescind it with limitations. The Panel also
may establish conditions a person must meet before the prohibition is rescinded,
City of Brooklyn Center 1-22 City Ordinance
including, but not limited to, successfully completing dog training or dog
handling courses. If the Panel rescinds a person's prohibition and the person
subsequently fails to comply with any limitations imposed by the City or the
person is convicted of any animal violation involving unprovoked bites or dog
attacks, the Panel may permanently prohibit the person from owning a dog in this
state.
Section 1-280. DESTRUCTION OF DOG IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
1. Circumstances. Notwithstanding Sections 1-265 to 1-276, a dog may be ordered
destroyed in a proper and humane manner by the Animal Control Officer if the dog:
a. inflicted substantial or great bodily harm on a human being on public or
private property without provocation;
b. inflicted multiple bites on a human being on public or private property
without provocation;
C. bit multiple human victims on public or private property in the same attack
without provocation; or
d. bit a human on public or private property without provocation in an attack
where more than one dog participated in the attack.
2. Hearing. The Animal Control Officer may not destroy the dog until the dog owner
has had the opportunity for a hearing before the Animal Control Review Panel.
Section 1-300. PENALTY.
1. Any person violating the provisions of Sections 1-265 or 1-275, shall, upon
conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to penalties
specified for misdemeanors in Minn. Stat. § 609.03, as amended from time to time.
Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.
2018-07
2. It is a misdemeanor to remove a microchip from a dangerous or potentially
dangerous dog, to fail to renew the registration of a potentially dangerous or
dangerous dog, to fail to account for a dangerous dog's death or change of location
where the dog will reside, to sign a false affidavit with respect to a dangerous dog's
death or change of location where the dog will reside, or to fail to disclose
ownership of a dangerous dog to a property owner from whom the person rents
property.
3. A person who is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of paragraphs (1)
or (2) is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
4. An owner who violates Minn. Stat. § 347.542 or Section 1-276 of this Code is
guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
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5. Any household member who knowingly violates Minn. Stat. § 347.542,
subdivision 2, or Section 1-276 of this Code is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
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