4-4-010 ANIMAL KEEPING AND BEEKEEPING STANDARDS:
A. PURPOSE AND INTENT:
The regulations in this Section set standards intended to require that the keeping of animals occurs in a humane and appropriate manner that benefits the animals and allows animals to coexist harmoniously with adjacent and abutting uses.
B. APPLICABILITY:
The keeping of animals shall be consistent with the standards in this Section, RMC 1-3-3, Nuisances, and RMC 8-7-3, Public Disturbance, Noises. The keeping of household pets and/or domestic animals up to the maximum number allowed in this Section and/or RMC 4-9-100, Additional Animals Permit Process, by an owner/tenant for the purpose of enjoyment is permitted as an accessory use to residential or commercial use subject to the requirements of this Section.
C. EXCEPTION:
Occasional breeders are permitted to keep a greater number of animals than allowed on a temporary basis, not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days, when those animals are less than one hundred twenty (120) days old. No Additional Animals Permit is required, but a Home Occupation Business License is required.
D. NUISANCE AND DISTURBANCE PROHIBITED:
Household pets, domestic animals, and/or bees must not become a nuisance (RMC 1-3-3) or create a public disturbance (RMC 8-7-3).
E. PROHIBITED ANIMALS:
The keeping of animals that are wild or dangerous is not permitted pursuant to RMC 6-6-12. Additionally, the City prohibits the keeping of roosters or peahens/peacocks.
F. AUTHORITY:
Interpretation regarding responsibility will be determined administratively; responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of this Section shall be as follows:
1. Animal Control Officer: All those matters related to care, maintenance, and individual licensing.
2. Development Services Division: All those matters concerning land use and zoning.
G. NUMBER OF ANIMALS ALLOWED:
1. Lot Size Minimums and Maximum Number of Animals Generally Permitted: The allowable numbers of animals permitted, provided the minimum lot size is met, are detailed in the following table. The specified minimum lot sizes are absolute requirements, unless (a) an Additional Animals Permit is granted pursuant to RMC 4-9-100, or (b) the number and type of animals was established legally under previous regulations and the ownership of the property has not changed. The keeping of animals that require lesser lot size is allowed to be cumulative, when lot size requirements have been met. For example, on a twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) square foot lot, the keeping of two (2) medium lot domestic animals, six (6) small lot domestic animals, and three (3) household pets is permitted outright.
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Type of Animal |
Maximum Number of Animals Generally Permitted |
|---|---|
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Household Pets includes: dogs, cats, caged indoor birds and small rodents. Non-venomous reptiles and amphibians weighing less than 10 pounds are also included. |
3* per dwelling or commercial building; no minimum lot size. A pet license is required from the City Finance Department for each cat or dog. |
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Small Lot Domestic Animals includes: chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons and rabbits. |
3 on lots that are at least 4,500 gross sq. ft. in size. On lots that are larger than 4,500 gross sq. ft., 1 additional small lot domestic animal may be kept per additional 1,000 gross sq. ft. |
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Medium Lot Domestic Animals includes: miniature goats that are smaller than 24 inches at the shoulder and/or not more than 150 pounds in weight, and sheep. |
2 on lots that are at least 12,500 gross sq. ft. in size. On lots that are greater than 12,500 gross sq. ft., 1 additional medium lot domestic animal may be kept per additional 7,500 gross sq. ft. |
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Large Lot Domestic Animals includes: goats and pigs. Extra Large Lot Domestic Animals includes: horses, donkeys, cows and llamas. |
2 on lots that are at least 1 gross acre in size. On lots that are larger than 1 gross acre, 1 additional large lot domestic animal may be kept per additional 43,560 sq. ft. |
*Includes foster animals
2. Permit Required for More than Three (3) Dogs and/or Cats: Regardless of additional lot size, the keeping of four (4) or more dogs and/or cats shall always require an Additional Animals Permit (RMC 4-9-100) or a Conditional Use Permit for a Kennel (RMC 4-9-030) if allowed by the property’s zoning.
H. KEEPING GREATER NUMBER OF ANIMALS THAN GENERALLY PERMITTED:
1. Permitted with an Additional Animals Permit (RMC 4-9-100): Greater numbers of animals than permitted in subsection G1 of this Section may be allowed. The minimum lot size for extra large animals must be met. Keeping greater numbers of animals without the minimum lot size may be permitted for small, medium, and large lot animals, subject to an Additional Animals Permit (RMC 4-9-100).
2. Minimum Lot Size Needed to Apply for an Additional Animals Permit for Extra Large Lot Domestic Animals: Horses, donkeys, cows and llamas are considered extra large lot domestic animals. The minimum lot size required to apply for an Additional Animals Permit for extra large lot animals is twenty thousand (20,000) square feet devoted only to these animals.
I. HOME OCCUPATIONS:
The keeping of household pets or domestic animals for any for-profit venture in all residential and mixed-use zones must comply with the requirements of RMC 4-9-090, Home Occupations, and requires a Home Occupation Business License. Any owner/tenant who keeps household pets and/or domestic animals and sells any animal-related product, made from or produced by their household pets and/or domestic animals, shall be required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit, RMC 4-9-090. Keeping animals for commercial purposes that exceed the standards of a home occupation accessory use requires approval pursuant to RMC 4-2-060, Zoning Table – Uses Allowed in Zoning Designations.
J. GENERAL STANDARDS FOR KEEPING ANIMALS:
The keeping of animals shall be consistent with the following standards:
1. Shelter Location and Setbacks: Shelters, pens, and permanent/temporary kennel structures shall be located a minimum of ten feet (10') from any property line and in the rear yard. The Development Services Division may grant an exemption from this ten-foot (10') requirement if the owner/tenant can provide sufficient information that a side yard would be a better location.
2. Barn and Stable Location and Setbacks: Private barns and stables shall be located a minimum of fifty feet (50') from any property line. Barns and stables may not be located in attached garages or carports.
3. Confinement Required: All animals shall be kept and maintained in a manner which confines their movement and activity to the premises of the owner/tenant.
4. Fencing Required: Dog runs, open-run areas, and permanent/temporary kennel structures shall be surrounded by a fence of adequate height (as to preclude escape). RMC 4-4-040, Fences and Hedges, lists the City’s requirements for residential fences.
5. Health and Safety: All animals shall be kept in such a manner so as not to create any objectionable noise, odor, annoyance, or become a public nuisance. Provision shall be made to ensure that animal food stored outdoors will not attract rodents, insects, or other animals.
6. Animal Waste and Food Waste: All shelter structures, confinement areas, and/or open-run areas shall be kept clean. Provision shall be made for the removal of animal waste and food waste so that the areas are kept free from infestation of insects, rodents, or disease, as well as to prevent obnoxious or foul odors. Animal waste shall be properly disposed of, and any accumulated animal waste must not be stored within the shelter setback area. Any storage of animal waste must not constitute a nuisance as defined in chapter 1-3 RMC.
K. ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR KENNELS AND STABLES:
Kennels and stables, when allowed by RMC 4-2-060, Zoning Use Table, must comply with the following standards:
1. Shelter and Structures: Shelter shall be provided for animals in clean structures which shall be kept structurally sound, maintained in good repair, contain the animals, and restrict entrance of other animals. All structures associated with kennels and stables shall be located a minimum of fifty feet (50') from any property line and must be located in the rear yard. On lots that are larger than one gross acre in size, exercising, training, and/or riding areas may be located closer than fifty feet (50') from a property line if the exercising, training, and/or riding areas are no closer than one hundred feet (100') to any dwelling unit and the location is approved, in writing, by the Development Services Division.
2. Food and Bedding: Suitable food and bedding shall be provided and stored in facilities adequate to provide protection against infestation or contamination by insects or rodents. Refrigeration shall be provided for the protection of perishable foods.
3. Criteria for Indoor Kennel Facilities: Applicants for kennels must show that indoor facilities have a sufficient heating and cooling system to provide a moderate temperature throughout the year; a sufficient ventilation system to circulate the air; an adequate natural or artificial lighting system to allow inspection and cleaning at any time of the day and that interior wall and ceiling surfaces are constructed of materials which are resistant to the absorption of moisture and odors.
4. Criteria for Outdoor Kennel Facilities: Outdoor facilities will be constructed to provide shelter from the weather and associated elements while providing sufficient space for animal movement and exercise. Adequate drainage must be provided to prevent water buildup and subsequent damage and to facilitate waste removal. Adequate fences or retaining walls must be constructed to contain animals and prevent intrusion by others.
L. ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR BEEKEEPING:
1. Maximum Number of Hives Generally Permitted: A maximum of three (3) hives are generally permitted and one additional hive may be kept for every additional ten thousand (10,000) gross square feet of lot size. The keeping of bees is allowed to be cumulative with the keeping of animals.
2. Minimum Lot Sizes for Beekeeping:
a. Seven thousand five hundred (7,500) gross square feet.
b. Four thousand five hundred (4,500) gross square feet if either of the following conditions are met:
i. Hives are kept at least eight feet (8') above or below the grade of abutting properties; or
ii. Hives are kept behind a minimum six foot (6') tall hedge or solid fence that runs parallel to any property line within twenty-five feet (25') of a hive.
3. Beekeeping Requirements:
a. Hives shall be located in rear yards, side yards, or on rooftops.
b. Hives shall be located a minimum of twenty-five feet (25') from an interior lot line, with each hive’s entrance facing away from the nearest property line.
c. Each hive shall only contain one swarm.
d. Hives shall be maintained to avoid overpopulation and minimize swarming, for example by requeening regularly, so as not to become a nuisance.
e. Hives shall be marked or identified to notify visitors.
f. A source of fresh water (such as a fountain) located within ten feet (10') from the hives shall be provided.
M. REVIEW CRITERIA FOR ADDITIONAL ANIMALS PERMITS:
Special review criteria to be considered by the Reviewing Official for Additional Animals Permits are included in RMC 4-9-100.
N. REVIEW CRITERIA FOR KENNELS AND STABLES:
For kennels, commercial equine boarding, riding schools, and stables the conditional use criteria of RMC 4-9-030 shall be applicable.
O. NONCONFORMING ANIMALS:
See RMC 4-10-070.
(Ord. 3927, 7-15-1985; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 4999, 1-13-2003; Ord. 5305, 9-17-2007; Ord. 5356, 2-25-2008; Ord. 5470, 7-13-2009; Ord. 5578, 11-15-2010; Ord. 5603, 6-6-2011; Ord. 5640, 12-12-2011)