Los Gatos Municipal Code Div. 2 Permit

The keeping of pet horses on the same premises as, and incidental to the use of a single-family residence is allowed without permit. Pet horses may be kept under other circumstances only when a permit to keep them has been issued by the Planning Director, or when a conditional use permit authorizing them to be kept has been issued under the rules of the zone where the parcel is located, if the rules of the zone provide for a conditional use permit. Amateur horse events may be held only when a permit for the specific event has been issued by the Planning Director.

(Ord. No. 1971, § II, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 2276, § 1, 9-18-18)

The Planning Director may require that applications for permits required by this article contain plot plans and elevations of any structures, proposed or existing, to the extent reasonably necessary to show what conditions the animals will be subjected to, and what effects keeping them, and human activities associated with their keeping, will have on the community.

(Ord. No. 1971, § II, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 2276, § 1, 9-18-18)

The Planning Director shall promptly send a complete copy of any application for a permit required by this division to the Health Officer for review and shall not issue a permit until the Planning Director receives and considers the advice of the Health Officer.

(Ord. No. 1971, § II, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 2276, § 1, 9-18-18)

At least ten (10) days before granting any application for a permit required by this division, the Planning Director shall give written notices describing the application. The notice shall be posted in one location readily visible to the public on, or reasonably near, to the parcel of land where the animals are proposed to be kept and mailed addressed to the owner of each other parcel of land any part of which is within three hundred (300) feet of the parcel of land where the animals are proposed to be kept. The mailed notices shall be addressed to the owners of neighboring parcels as shown on the latest county equalized assessment roll.

(Ord. No. 1971, § II, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 2276, § 1, 9-18-18)

The Planning Director will issue a permit for keeping pet horses other than on the same premises as, and incidental to the use of a single-family residence, or for holding an amateur horse event if the Planning Director finds, after taking into account:

(1) The size and location of the premises where the horses would be kept, or the event held;

(2) The character of the neighborhood;

(3) The number of horses involved;

(4) The facilities existing and to be provided on the premises;

(5) In appropriate instances, the provision for parking and for guests or spectators, that the horses will be treated safely and humanely, that there will be no adverse effects on the safety or health of persons, that there will be no detrimental effect on or change of character of the neighborhood, nor any disturbance of persons in the peaceful enjoyment of their property. If the Planning Director does not so find, the permit shall not be issued.

(Ord. No. 1971, § II, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 2276, § 1, 9-18-18)

The Planning Director may include such conditions in the permit as are reasonably necessary to assure that the standards of section 4.40.125 are met. When the permit is for an event, it shall specify the date of the event. When reasonably necessary to fulfill the standards of section 4.40.125, the permit shall contain an expiration date, and specify the terms, if any, on which renewal will be permitted.

(Ord. No. 1971, § II, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 2276, § 1, 9-18-18)

At any time when the Planning Director has reasonable cause to believe that a permit issued under this division ought to be modified or revoked, the Planning Director shall give mailed notice to the permittee and the owners of neighboring land specified in section 4.40.120, in the manner specified in section 4.40.120, for mailed notice, except that such notice period shall be fifteen (15) days. Before modifying or revoking a permit, the Planning Director shall consider all evidence presented by the permittee and any other person. The Planning Director shall revoke or modify a permit when the Planning Director finds that such revocation or modification is necessary to meet the standards specified in section 4.120.125.

(Ord. No. 1971, § II, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 2276, § 1, 9-18-18)

Any interested person may appeal a decision of the Planning Director under this article by filing an appeal pursuant to section 29.20.255 and following.

(Ord. No. 1971, § II, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 2276, § 1, 9-18-18)