Chapter 6.18
LIVESTOCK
Sections:
6.18.020 Keeping of small farm animals.
6.18.030 Keeping of large farm animals.
6.18.040 Livestock and poultry – At large restricted.
6.18.060 Violation – Punishment.
6.18.010 Definitions.
In construing the provisions of this chapter, except where otherwise plainly declared or clearly apparent from the context, words used in this chapter shall be given their common and ordinary meaning; in addition, the following definitions shall apply to each reference to the following words or phrases:
A. “Small farm animals” means small fowl, small livestock.
B. “Large farm animals” means large fowl, large livestock.
C. “Small fowl” means chickens, ducks, pigeons, pheasant (Golden, Amherst, etc.).
D. “Large fowl” means peacocks, geese, turkeys, emu/ostrich, etc.
E. “Small livestock” means miniature pigs such as Kune Kune, Juliana, or Potbelly breeds, miniature goats such as Nigerian or Pygmy breeds, rabbits.
F. “Large livestock” means horses, bovine animals, sheep, goats, swine, reindeer, donkeys, mules, etc. (Ord. 2852 § 1, 2023)
6.18.020 Keeping of small farm animals.
The keeping of small farm animals, including chickens, geese, ducks or other small fowl, rabbits, and miniature goats, and miniature pigs is permitted subject to the following standards:
A. The maximum number of all small fowl and small livestock permitted to a residence shall be:
1. Five small fowl per one-half to one acre. (Example: one-half to 1.99 acre equals five allowed; two acres equal 10 allowed.)
2. Small livestock one-half to one acre: two permitted. Each additional acre two per acre increase allowed.
3. All small fowl and livestock must be maintained in a manner that prevents accumulation of manure, debris, or excess feed to prevent rodents and other pests.
4. Structures and pens for small fowl and small livestock shall be in accordance with recommended sizes for the species and shall be sturdy, weatherproof, escape proof, fall within the zoning allowances for the property, and maintained in a clean fashion.
5. Structures will not be permitted within 25 feet of any property boundary, or occupied building on another’s property (current or hereafter constructed).
6. Male miniature goats and miniature pigs must be neutered.
7. Small farm animals and small livestock may not create a nuisance for the neighborhood. Such nuisances (noise, odor, etc.), confirmed by two separate neighboring residences by affidavit, must be abated within 30 days or the animals may be disallowed at the location.
8. Shelter shall be available in the form of a minimum two-sided pen, stall, or building with a cover which must conform to applicable building codes for the location. (Ord. 2852 § 1, 2023)
6.18.030 Keeping of large farm animals.
The keeping of large farm animals is permitted on properties over one acre; provided, that the property contains a minimum of one-half acre of lot area available as pasture, yard, or stall space for each two such animals in any combination. Any pen or building shall be located at least 100 feet from any neighboring building now existing and hereafter constructed, owned by any other person within the city, and must conform to applicable building codes for the location.
A. Permitted Uses.
1. Two large fowl per one-half to one acre with additional two per acre increase.
2. Two large livestock per one acre with additional two per acre increase.
3. All large livestock and fowl must be maintained in a manner that prevents accumulation of manure, debris, or excess feed to prevent rodents or other nuisance pests and odors.
4. Shelter shall be available in the form of a minimum two-sided pen, stall, or building with a cover which must conform to applicable building codes for the location.
5. Structures and pens for large fowl and livestock shall be in accordance with recommended sizes for the species and shall be sturdy, weatherproof, escape proof, fall withing the zoning allowances for the property, and be maintained in a clean fashion.
6. Any pen, stall, or building shall be located at least 100 feet from any neighboring building now existing and hereafter constructed, owned by any other person within the city.
7. Large farm animals and large livestock may not create a nuisance for the neighborhood. Such nuisances (noise, odor, etc.), confirmed by two separate neighboring residences by affidavit, must be abated within 30 days or the animals may be disallowed at the location. (Ord. 2852 § 1, 2023)
6.18.040 Livestock and poultry – At large restricted.
Livestock and poultry must be confined to the owner or caretaker’s property boundaries and may not become at large. Livestock or poultry that is with a handler and under control by a normal lead, tether, halter, or reins is permitted. It is unlawful for any person owning or having the charge and control of any livestock or fowl to permit or allow the animals to enter or trespass upon private or public property without the express permission of the owner or caretaker of such property while not under control or at large. Any livestock or fowl at large may be seized and impounded. (Ord. 2852 § 1, 2023)
6.18.050 Animal sanitation.
Where any livestock, with the exception of small fowl, deposits any fecal matter upon any public sidewalk, street, alley or within any city park, playground, or cemetery, or upon any other public place or another’s property, the keeper of said animal shall remove and dispose of such fecal matter before the keeper of the animal leaves the immediate area where the fecal matter was deposited. For purposes of this section, the “keeper of an animal” shall mean the person who has immediate possession and control of the animal while the animal is on public property as set forth above. (Ord. 2852 § 1, 2023)
6.18.060 Violation – Punishment.
Any party keeping livestock in violation of this chapter or failing or refusing to comply with the order of the animal control authority mentioned in SMC 6.04.020 shall be found to have committed a Class 1 civil infraction as adopted by reference and defined under RCW 7.80.120. Additionally, violations of this chapter are subject to the penalties outlined in SMC 6.04.305, Habitual offender. (Ord. 2852 § 1, 2023)
6.18.080 Construction.
If the provisions of this chapter are found to be inconsistent with other provisions of the Sumner Municipal Code, this chapter is deemed to control. (Ord. 2852 § 1, 2023)