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Chickens are routine animals when it comes to the egg producing process; these hens lay their eggs between 9 and 11 in the morning. They also prefer moderate temperature; therefore they seek out shade at the hottest points of the day. Additionally, the hens sleep during the night and are in their coop shortly after sunset. Noise readings Staff conducted noise reading of the hens by using an altimeter, which is an electronic devise that reads noise levels. During the site visit staff took four noise readings. The first noise reading was to get a base reading without chicken or other distinguishing noises, such as the wind chimes, which hang in the rear yard. This reading produced a dBA (decibels, A-level) of 49. The second noise reading was taken with a normal tone conversation of two people; this reading was approximately 55 dBA (dependent on the speaker). The third noise reading was taken with the conversation and the wind chime music, resulting in a 68 dBA when standing at the location of the chicken coop. The final noise reading was taken of the chickens. Though the chickens were not audible for most of the visit, they made a minimal level of noise when staff prodded at the chickens to obtain a recordable noise reading that exceeded the base readings. Prodding involved handling the chickens and causing them to be nervous, which resulted in a squawking of sorts. These noises registered a 63 dBA when standing two feet away from the origin of the noise. At the property line, approximately 9 feet away, the noises would not register. The PMC limits the daytime dBA to no greater then 60 dBA at the property line and exempts noises during the day up to 70dBA. Staff feels that the noise readings not only show that the dBAs are within the maximums allowed at the property line, but they are also less then a normal volume conversation. Staff believes that the cackling of the chickens will not be a distinguishable or disturbing noise and is within the limits as set by the Municipal Code V. PUBLIC NOTICE Staff sent notices of the Planning Commission's public hearing on this item to all property owners and residents located within 1,000-feet of the subject property. VI. PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE At the time this staff report was written, six comments from a neighbors regarding the project. Staff received two (2) a-mails stating concerns about the project, one (1) phone call with general questions, one (1) a-mail containing information about a concern being resolved, and three (3) e- mails stating support of the request and a desire to see a different process for such an application. One of the a-mail of concern inquires into the impacts on the public park, which is in close proximity to the project site. Staff was informed by the Parks and Recreation Department that they do not have concerns regarding the chicken use permit. Case No. PAUP-2 Planning Commission Page 4