Ordinance 767.docxCITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 767
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
Section 1. Chapter 10, Article 10 XI of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
established to read as follows:
Article 10-XI Temporary Goat Grazing for Vegetation Management
Section 10-245 Purpose and Intent
(a) Intent: Property owners shall be permitted to allow goats to be temporarily brought on
their property to aid in the removal of non-native, invasive, or noxious vegetation,
including but not limited to buckthorn. No permit shall be required as part of a
vegetation management program on city-owned property.
Section 10-246 Permit Requirements and Standards
(a) Property owners must obtain a permit and meet the following conditions:
(1) Number of goats and property size requirements:
a. The number of goats allowed shall depend on the size of the property being
grazed. A maximum of two (2) goats per 1/10 acre shall be allowed and the
total number of goats shall not exceed fifty (50) goats.
b. Minimum size for the property of which goats may be permitted to graze on
shall be one-half (0.5) of an acre.
(2) Goat type:
a. Only female goats, neutered male goats, or unneutered male goats less than
six months old that accompany female goats are permitted.
(3) Term:
a. No more than 30 consecutive days per grazing event and no more than two
grazing events in a 12-month period.
(4) Enclosure:
a. The grazing area must be fully enclosed for the duration of the permit.
b. All sides of the enclosure(s) shall be a minimum of 4 feet in height.
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c. Enclosures shall be constructed or secured in a manner as to prevent the goats
from escaping over or under the enclosure(s).
d. Any temporary electric fence shall have warning signs on all sides of the
fencing enclosure and a minimum of one sign every 60 feet of electric fencing
when it’s visible or accessible to the public.
e. Permanent fencing shall comply with the regulations for the zoning district in
which the prescribed grazing is located and shall be permitted separately.
f. Fencing cannot be constructed of barbed wire.
(5) Signage and Notifications:
a. Signage must be located on each side of the enclosed area and visible to the
public. Signage must contain 24-hour emergency contact information for the
goat manager.
b. Applicant must notify immediately adjacent property owners at least 7 days
prior to goats being brought on site.
(6) Standards:
a. Prescribed grazing shall comply with shoreland and wetland regulations and
may be restricted in ecologically sensitive areas. Prescribed grazing shall
comply with Best Management Practices established by the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and
other pertinent agencies.
b. The property must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition that is free
from offensive odors, fly breeding, dust, and general nuisance conditions.
Goat manure must be removed if it creates a nuisance.
c. The property shall be available for inspections by the city at all times to
ensure compliance.
(7) Required Documents:
a. A detailed site plan for the premises on which prescribed grazing will occur is
required and shall include the following:
1. Location and dimension of grazing area
2. The breed and number of goats to be maintained on the property
3. The dates the goats will be kept at the property
4. Any proposed temporary shelters and dimensions
5. A detailed fence plan, including the type of fencing for the required
enclosure.
6. Location, size, and proposed message of the signage that will be posted
for notification of goat grazing.
7. List of person(s) managing and monitoring the goats, including their full
name, address, and 24-hour contact information
8. Proof of liability insurance. The certificate of insurance must name the
city, its officials, employees and agents as additional insured. The limits of
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insurance will not be less than: $1,000,000.00 each occurrence;
$2,000,000.00 general aggregate.
(b) Violations
(1) A violation of any provision of this ordinance or condition of the permit shall be
grounds for revocation of the permit by the Community Development Director or
designee.
(2) Any person violating any condition of this permit shall reimburse the city for all
costs borne to the city to enforce the conditions of the permit, including but not limited to
the safekeeping and impounding of the goats.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
publication.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 10 day of August 2026, by the City Council of the City of
Chanhassen, Minnesota
______________________________ ________________________________
Jenny Potter, City Clerk Elise Ryan, Mayor
(Published in the Sun Sailor on August 20, 2026)
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