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single-family residential (R-1) districts. A conditional use permit can be approved provided the use is consistent with the provisions of Section 7.36- Miscellaneous Animal Regulations of the PMC; as directed by PMC § 18.32.040(K); and if the conditional use application meets the required findings of PMC § 18.124. The Code prohibits the keeping or maintenance of any animals in such manner, number or kind as to cause damage or hazard to persons or property in the vicinity or to generate offensive noise, dust or odor. Site Visit Staff visited the subject site in response to the application being filed. During the visit, staff viewed the coop and the chickens. Staff inspected the property to insure that the findings for keeping of fowl could be made. The coop Staff has research information on coop setups and has compared the applicant's coop to these standards. A coop provides the mature chickens with the basic need of shelter. The design of the ideal coop should protect the chickens from rain, wind, and temperature extremes. There should be perches adequately spaced and arranged so that the chickens can perch comfortably. Chickens seem to do better when they roost at night up off the ground; and it is the natural way for a bird to sleep. The coop can also contain nesting boxes, but the chickens should not be allowed to sleep in them. Having the coop elevated reportedly helps to prevent external parasites and the chickens from lying in their own droppings. Straw or wood chippings should be spread under the perches and should be changed on a regular basis. Staff found that the applicant's coop was well designed to provide shelter and contains perches with straw below. The coop is elevated above the ground. The area within and surrounding the coop was found to be well maintained and tidy in appearance, no offensive odors, insects, or dust was detected. Life Cycle Staff questioned the applicant about noise, routine activities, and life span of the chickens. The hens that are currently being kept and raised are about ten (10) months old and are at full size. The applicant noted the expected life span of a hen to be between 5 to 10 years old. Other references indicate that the life span can be up to as much as 15 years, but cautions that this life expectancy is under optimal conditions. The actual life span may be shortened considerably depending on environmental conditions or diet. Egg production and daily routine The hens lay one egg each, per day. The activity of producing an egg requires the hen to nest (in a nesting box or other suitable place) and involve a short strenuous push from the hen. The hens are most audible during this activity. The process for all four hens to lay their one egg each takes about 10 minutes with only a minute or so of cackling (chicken noise). Case No. PAUP-2 Planning Commission Page 3