Chapter 18.63
FARM ANIMAL REGULATIONS

Sections:

18.63.010    Purpose and scope.

18.63.020    Agricultural animals.

18.63.030    Household pets (see TTC Title 6 as well).

18.63.040    Kennels.

18.63.050    Animal husbandry.

18.63.060    Animal husbandry for educational purposes.

18.63.010 Purpose and scope.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide rules and regulations for the keeping of agricultural animals, household pets and other animals so that these animals do not become a nuisance, hazard, and/or health problem to the adjoining neighbors and the general public. Open range provisions apply only outside city and town limits (see A.R.S. sections 3-1421 through 3-1428). [Ord. 2016-02 § 1.]

18.63.020 Agricultural animals.

No agricultural animal/livestock shall be kept, maintained or stabled on any lot less than 15,000 square feet, except for those developments previously approved by the council. On parcels of 15,000 square feet or more, livestock shall be permitted in the R-1, R-2 (single-family only), AG-1 and AG-2 zoning districts and shall be subject to the following provisions:

A. One animal unit is equivalent to one large livestock animal, five medium livestock animals or 10 small livestock animals/fowl as defined in this chapter. The number of animal units permitted is established in the table below:

Permitted Animal Units
in Residential Districts 

Square Footage of Residential Lot

Number of Animal Units Permitted

15,000 square feet to 29,999 square feet

1

30,000 square feet to 39,999 square feet

2

40,000 square feet to 43,559 square feet

3

43,560 square feet (1 acre) or larger

4

One additional animal unit is permitted for each 3,000 square feet in excess of one acre (43,560 sf).

Offspring (under the age of six months) of animals on site do not count towards the number of permitted animal units.

Animals used for educational purposes as stated in TTC 18.63.060 do not count towards the number of permitted animal units.

B. The area used for grazing, exercising or training of said animals shall be securely fenced to prevent the animals from straying, or a suitable restraint shall be provided to prevent straying. For lots less than one acre in size, no confinement area shall be located in the front yard, and the grazing of livestock shall be limited to the side and rear yards.

C. Fencing shall be required for all agricultural animals and shall consist of a view or partial view type fence, of sufficient height to restrain the animal(s). Such fence or wall shall be maintained and kept in a sound condition at all times.

D. Where permitted by this title, private stables for the housing of agricultural animals shall be constructed so as to facilitate maintenance in a clean and sanitary condition.

E. Where permitted, stables used for the keeping of agricultural animals shall be located behind the front face plane of the principal building or structure. Stables shall be set back a minimum of three feet from all other property lines. Stables shall not exceed the height regulations of the zoning district in which they are located. Where allowed to be located within the setbacks, stable height shall not exceed 15 feet. Any structure 200 square feet or larger is required to obtain a building permit as established in this title.

F. Corrals, or yard areas used for the keeping of agricultural animals on lots less than one acre shall be located within the rear half of the lot (or side yard) or parcel and shall be enclosed by a view or partial view type fence, pipe rail or other similar fencing material, or wall of sufficient height to restrain the animal(s). Such fence or wall shall be maintained and kept in a sound condition at all times.

G. Animal wastes shall be stored at least 20 feet from any property line, open space, drainage channel or surface waters and shall not violate the health and sanitation provisions of the Town Code and Navajo County’s Health Code. [Ord. 2016-02 § 1.]

18.63.030 Household pets (see TTC Title 6 as well).

A. In all zones, a maximum of six dogs shall be permitted.

B. In all zones, a maximum of six cats shall be allowed to be kept outside of the residence.

C. The requirements of this section shall not apply to those small animals kept within a residence including fish, cats, small birds (parakeets, parrots), rodents (mice, rats), and reptiles (nonpoisonous snakes, lizards).

D. Dogs confined in kennels shall not be kept closer than 20 feet from the nearest principal residential structure on an adjacent property. Such permission may be revoked at any time. Upon revocation, the owner of the animal(s) shall have 30 days to move the animal(s) so that compliance is achieved. All agreeing parties shall have their signatures notarized. [Ord. 2016-02 § 1.]

18.63.040 Kennels.

Facilities for the boarding of all dogs and other household pets shall conform to the following:

A. No shelter or building used for boarding of said animals or the storage of feed and supplies shall be located closer than 30 feet from any property line.

B. A conditional use permit is required for commercial boarding and kennel facilities.

C. Animal wastes shall not be stored any closer than 50 feet from any property line, open space, drainage channel or surface waters.

D. The area used for grazing, exercising or training of said animals shall be securely fenced to prevent the animals from straying or a suitable restraint shall be provided to prevent straying. [Ord. 2016-02 § 1.]

18.63.050 Animal husbandry.

Offspring (less than six months of age) of animals on site are not counted toward the number of permitted animal units. [Ord. 2016-02 § 1.]

18.63.060 Animal husbandry for educational purposes.

A. Any agricultural/livestock activity or project conducted primarily for educational purposes (i.e., Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H), or school credits, are permitted. HOA limitations may be applicable.

B. Under this provision, animals utilized in projects are not counted toward the number of permitted animal units. Animals may include swine. The following criteria shall be met:

1. Active membership must be maintained and verification of such may be required upon request.

2. A sign designating a given member (i.e., 4-H or FFA) is in residence must be posted on the property at all times any such project or activity is in progress.

“Animal unit” represents the unit of measurement utilized as the basis for determining the number of agricultural animals permitted in residential districts on lots 15,000 square feet and larger. An animal unit consists of: one large livestock animal (e.g., a weaned beef animal over six months of age, or horse, llama, alpaca, mule, burro, ostrich or similar animals (swine are only permitted as part of an educational project)), four medium animals (e.g., sheep, goats, etc.) or 10 small livestock animals or fowl (e.g., rabbits, ducks, chickens, geese, or similar animals or fowl (excluding pea fowl and roosters)). [Ord. 2016-02 § 1.]