Memo/Dog KennelsCITY OF HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 16, 1989
TO: Zoning & Planning Commission
FROM: Nancy S. Anderson f3(�
SUBJECT: Dog Kennels
There exists conflicting language in the Zoning Ordinance
and the City Code.
The Zoning Ordinance defines a Commercial Kennel but then
is never referred to again in the ordinance. The City
Code allows two dogs per family but also has a fee of
$85.00 for a kennel license for over three dogs. The
problem exists with the following:
If a person obtains a kennel license can they
have more than three dogs in a residential
area?
To allow dog kennels in a city like Hopkins with small
residential lots would create more problems. One of the
greatest assets of any city is its' neighborhood areas.
I cannot imagine living next to a person with a dog
kennel with any amount of dogs on a 50 foot lot.
Minnetonka and St. Louis Park do not allow kennels in
residential areas, but it seems two dogs is a reasonable
number.
Ordinance 925.24 establishes a limit of two dogs per
dwelling unit in Hopkins. This two dog limit was
established by the City Council. Surrounding cities have
a maximum limit of 2 or 3 dogs per home. There can be
considerable discussion on whether 2, 3, 4 or 5 dogs
should be the limit in a residential area.
The staff is recommending that a public hearing be set
for the June meeting and that the staff draft an
ordinance to not allow dog kennels in residential
districts. Dog kennels would be allowed in B -3 and I -1
districts.