Humboldt County Municipal Code § 43.3 Animal Keeping

The purpose of these provisions is to regulate the density of animals and the setbacks of animal

enclosures in residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) in order to maintain the quality of the urban and rural environments and to prevent public and private nuisances. (From Section CZ#A314-3(A); Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/ 00)

Adult domestic animals may be kept as an accessory use in any

residential zone (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) where the minimum lot size, animal density and animal enclosure setback requirements of this section are satisfied. (Former Section INL#316-4(a); CZ#A314-3(C); Ord. 556, Sec. 2, 3/22/66; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

Animal keeping in RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 Zones shall be limited according to the Animal

Density Table. The Animal Density Table is incorporated into this section, and all references to this section shall include references to it. (Former Section INL#316-4(a)(1-4); INL#316-4(f); CZ#A314-3(E); Ord. 528, Sec. 1, 10/5/65; Ord. 556, Sec. 2, 3/22/66; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00) ANIMAL DENSITY TABLE ANIMAL TYPE MINIMUM LOT SIZE MAXIMUM ANIMAL DENSITY Large domestic bovine and equine animals One (1) acre Two (2) animals plus one (1) animal for each additional twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of lot area Medium sized domestic animals, such as sheep, pigs, and goats 10,000 square feet Two (2) animals plus one (1) animal for each additional three thousand (3,000) square feet of lot area Small domestic animals such as rabbits and poultry(c) 5,000 square feet Ten (10) animals plus one (1) animal for each additional five hundred (500) square feet of lot area Household pets limited to dogs and cats(d) No minimum RS - limit eight (8) animals

ANIMAL DENSITY TABLE ANIMAL TYPE MINIMUM LOT SIZE MAXIMUM ANIMAL DENSITY R-1, R-2 - limit four (4) animals R-3, R-4 - limit two (2) animals a No animal other than those listed in this section may be kept without first securing a Special Permit. b Permitted animal densities may be increased through substitution by young animals in accordance with the schedule set forth herein. c No crowing rooster may be kept in any RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 Zone. d No limitations shall be placed upon household pets whose normal place of abode is within the dwelling units, such as caged birds, caged rodents, fish, reptiles and amphibia confined to aquaria and terraria.

The maximum animal densities permitted under

subsection 314-43.3.4, Animal Density, may be modified by substituting young animals according to the following schedule: (Former Section INL#316-4(c); CZ#A314-3(F); Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00) YOUNG ANIMAL SUBSTITUTION SCHEDULE ANIMAL TYPE PERMITTED SUBSTITUTION Large domestic animals including cows and horses For each one (1) adult animal three (3) young animals less than six (6) months old may be substituted. Medium-sized domestic animals including sheep, pigs, and goats For each one (1) adult animal three (3) young animals less than six (6) months old may be substituted. Small domestic animals including rabbits and poultry. For each one (1) adult animal three (3) young animals less than three (3) months old may be substituted. Household pets. Not applicable; No limit on dogs or cats less than four (4) months old.

In addition to conforming with all applicable yard requirements,

enclosures for animals in residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) shall have the minimum setbacks specified in the Animal Enclosure Table. (Former Section INL#316-4(b); CZ#A314-3(G); Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

ANIMAL ENCLOSURE SETBACKS TABLE ANIMAL ENCLOSURE LOCATION LARGE DOMESTIC ANIMALS MEDIUM DOMESTIC ANIMALS SMALL DOMESTIC ANIMALS Distance from Dwelling 50 feet 50 feet 25 feet Distance from Front Lot Line 50 feet 50 feet 50 feet Distance from Side Lot Line 20 feet 20 feet 10 feet Distance from Rear Lot Line 20 feet 20 feet 10 feet Notes: a Animal enclosures includes shelters, pens, coops, runs, hutches, stables, barns, corrals, and similar structures used for the keeping of poultry or animals. b Poultry setbacks same as Medium Domestic Animals c No crowing rooster may be maintained in any residential zone (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4)

Animal keepers must maintain all shelters, coops, cages, runs, corrals and

yards in a clean and sanitary condition. Certification by the Health Officer or Representative shall be prima facie evidence that the premises are in an unsanitary condition. (Former Section INL#316-4(d))

accessory use. (Former Section INL#316-4(g))

(Former Section

INL#316-4(h); Ord. 528, Sec. 1, 10/5/65) 314-44