§ 16.48.040. Animal keeping provisions.

The keeping of animals is consistent with the rural lifestyle emphasized in low density residential development districts, and can enhance the small town, rural charm of these districts. To permit the keeping of animals and assure that their presence does not create an undue burden on neighboring residents, the following standards will apply, unless otherwise provided in the applicable zoning district.

A.

The keeping of cats, dogs and other household pets for noncommercial purposes is permitted in accordance with Title 6, of this Municipal Code.

B.

For noncommercial purposes, the keeping of the following animals shall be permitted in districts zoned RE, RH, RR, RS. No commercial slaughtering or processing shall be permitted in these zoning districts. The minimum site area of the parcel shall be as specified and the number of animals allowed is subject to the requirements of subsections D and E of this section.

1.

Large animals: forty thousand (40,000) square feet.

2.

Small animals: twenty thousand (20,000) square feet.

C.

All animal enclosures, including corrals, pens, feed areas, paddocks, uncovered stables and similar enclosures are subject to the following setback requirements. Setbacks shall be measured from the nearest building used for residential purposes on adjacent property.

1.

Large animals:

a.

Equine fifty (50) feet.

b.

Bovines fifty (50) feet.

c.

Swine one hundred (100) feet.

d.

Goats one hundred (100) feet.

e.

Ovines fifty (50) feet.

2.

Small animals:

a.

Poultry twenty-five (25) feet.

b.

Rabbits twenty-five (25) feet.

c.

Birds none.

D.

Animal units are described in this subdivision to further define the relationships among animals of various sizes and to determine the number of animals allowed on a given parcel.

1.

Large animals: each large animal, as defined in Section 16.04.070, is equal to one animal unit.

2.

Small animals:

a.

Ten (10) poultry equal one animal unit;

b.

Ten (10) rabbits equal one animal unit;

c.

Two turkeys or other similar size fowl equal one animal unit.

3.

The keeping of specific animals is subject to the following special standards:

a.

Swine: the maximum number allowed is three sows and one boar.

b.

Poultry: all poultry shall be contained in coops or pens and not be allowed to run free on any site. The maximum number of poultry allowed is twenty (20) (two animal units).

c.

Rabbits: all rabbits shall be contained in coops or pens and not be allowed to run free on any site. The maximum number of rabbits allowed is twenty (20) (two animal units). These restrictions do not apply to rabbits kept solely as pets.

d.

Turkeys: all turkeys shall be contained in coops or pens and not be allowed to run free. The maximum number of turkeys allowed is four (two animal units).

E.

The maximum animal density on any site is determined by the lot size.

1.

Lots twenty thousand (20,000) to thirty-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (39,999) square feet in area: small animals only at a density equal to one animal unit.

2.

Lots forty thousand (40,000) square feet in area: large and small animals at a density equal to two animal units. One additional animal unit is allowed for each additional twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of lot size.

3.

All animal units are to be rounded to the next whole number. Fractional animal units are not to be used to calculate allowable density. (For example, five poultry would be rounded to one animal unit, and cannot be combined with five rabbits to equal one animal unit).

F.

Questions regarding the classification of animals not specifically mentioned are to be referred to the planning director for a determination as to their appropriate category (household pet, small animal, large animal, or exotic or wild animal).

G.

The keeping of exotic or wild animals may be permitted subject to issuance of a conditional use permit and any required fish and game permits. The keeping of animals in excess of the allowed density may be permitted subject to issuance of a conditional use permit.

(Prior code § 9-10.040)