Title
A RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 5 OF THE DIRECTORY OF CITY FEES AND CHARGES TO ADD THE FEES CHARGED FOR THE BACKYARD KEEPING OF CHICKENS / BEES PERMITS
Body
Summary and Background Information:
On November 7, 2023, residents of Commerce City voted to approve ballot questions allowing for the keeping of backyard bees and chickens. These questions required the City to adopt ordinances by December 31,2024 that would allow, with certain restrictions, the backyard keeping of chickens and bees. On June 3, 2024, City Council passed Ordinance 2577 on second reading, allowing and establishing regulations for the backyard keeping of chickens and bees on an 8-0 vote, with the regulations from that ordinance taking effect on August 2, 2024.
The adopted regulations will create a permit system to ensure compliance. To receive approval, applicants must provide a diagram of their backyard and any proposed beehives, chicken coops, or other feature in order to demonstrate they meet all of the requirements contained within the code. Applicants who do not meet these standards will not be permitted to keep chickens or bees. Permits will be available online through eTRAKiT, and will cost $70, accounting for two hours of staff review time.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Jared Gerber, Community Development Director
Staff Member Presenting: Alex Van Zante; Management Analyst II
Financial Impact: Neutral
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Approve Resolution 24-079.
Suggested Motion: Motion to approve Resolution 24-079 by Council as seated.