PC 02/13/80 - Laserfiche WebLink

Clif Fortin, 4132 Silver treet, who lives directly hind the applicant spoke in opposition to tt~~s application stating the rigeons are noisy, leave droppings around his hot tub and land on the roof of the applicant. He stated he didn't believe acoustic changes made to the coop would alleviate the problem and that the coop is two feet over the fence line and it is an eyesore. Commissioner Jamieson stated it would be difficult to completely enclose a coop as the birds need air. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Doherty then asked how many letters of opposition the City has received concerning this application and Mr. Harris stated three letters were received (one from Mr. Fortin) against this application and one letter in support of this application. Commissioner Leppert suggested putting a time limit on the conditional use permit and include the conditions requested by the Alameda County Health Care Agency, move the coop away from the rear fence and lower it, and reduce the number of pigeons to eight. He stated kids and others benefit from raising pigeons and would like to see a compromise to the situation. Mr. Harris then asked the applicant how much noise young pigeons make and Mr. Dodson stated they make very little noise and that they are fed by their mothers for five to six weeks. Mr. Dodson further stated he objects to lowering the coop and has received permission from the neighbor to the side of him to move it there. Chairperson Doherty addressed the double wall insulation. Mr. Dodson stated that in double walling the coop, you would make the area dark and wet and it would not allow the droppings to dry up and that to keep pigeons healthy they need sunlight and air. Commissioner Jamieson suggested moving the pigeons to Mohr Avenue if the applicant had property there and the noise problem would be eliminated. Mr. Dodson stated that neighboring dogs make much more noise than their pigeons. Commissioner Geppert asked Mr. Fortin if he would be happy with a compromise. Mr. Fortin stated he would go along with a compromise if the noise problem was eliminated. A motion was then made by Commissioner Geppert, seconded by Chairperson Doherty that all of the required findings could be made concerning this use permit; that the letter from the Alameda County Health Care Services be incorporated as conditions of this permit except that the number of pigeons allowed be eight instead of ten, move the coop out of sight of the rear neighboring fence so as not to require height reduction of the coop; the pigeons be allowed their exercise only once per week; and that the use permit be granted for six months from the date of this public hearing. ROLL CALL VOTE Ayes: Commissioners Geppert, Getty and Chairperson Doherty Noes: Commissioners Jamieson and Wilson Resolution No. 1845 was then entered and adopted approving UP-80-1. -6-