§ 4-25. Exceptions: Fancy, racing, and sporting pigeons.

Notwithstanding anything else in this Code to the contrary, it shall be lawful to possess or own "racing pigeons," "fancy pigeons," and "sporting pigeons," as defined in this Code, in the City of Oakdale subject to the following requirements and permit.

• (a) Definitions:

  • (1) PIGEON — Shall mean a member of the family Columbidae, and shall include "racing pigeons," "fancy pigeons," and "sporting pigeons" as defined in this Code.

  • (2) RACING PIGEONS — Shall mean a pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the distinctive physical and mental characteristics as to enable it to return to its home after having been released a considerable distance therefrom, and which is accepted as such by

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City of Oakdale, CA § 4-25

OAKDALE CITY CODE

§ 4-25

the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. or the International Federation of Racing Pigeons Fanciers. Also commonly known as racing homer, or carrier pigeons.

• (3) FANCY PIGEONS — Shall mean a pigeon, which, through past breeding, has developed certain distinctive physical and performing characteristics as to be clearly identified and accepted as such by the National Pigeon Association, the American Pigeon Club, or the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club. Examples: fantails, pouters, trumpeters.

• (4) SPORTING PIGEONS — Shall mean a pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the ability to fly in a distinctive manner such as aerial acrobatics or endurance flying. Examples: rollers and tipplers.

• (5) LOFT — Shall mean the structure(s) for the keeping or housing of the pigeons permitted by this chapter.

• (6) LEG BAND — Shall mean a permanent marker affixed to a pigeon's leg that is imprinted with the year of the pigeon's birth, club affiliation, and individual identification number.

• (7) MATURE PIGEON — Shall mean a pigeon aged six months or older.

• (8) OWNER — Shall mean the owner of pigeons subject to this chapter.

• (b) Conditions: The keeping, breeding, maintenance and flying of pigeons shall be permitted in any zoning district in the City subject to the following conditions:

  • (1) No person shall keep or maintain more than fifty (exercising) mature nor more than one hundred fifty total pigeons on any single lot.

  • (2) All pigeons shall be fitted with a leg band approved by the National Pigeon Association, the American Pigeon Club, the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club, or similar nationally recognized pigeon organization.

  • (3) The loft shall be of sufficient size and design, and constructed of such material, that it can be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

  • (4) There shall be at least one square foot of floor space in any loft for each mature pigeon kept therein.

• (5) The construction and location of any loft shall not constitute a nuisance or be detrimental to the public safety, health, and welfare of the neighborhood and community. Furthermore, the loft shall be compatible in scale and design with adjacent structures, including those on adjoining properties. Any loft shall be constructed on the back one-half of the property and shall comply with the provisions of § 36-18.27 (Accessory Buildings, Structures and Uses) of this Code, provided however that no loft shall be located closer than fifteen feet from any building used for human habitation.

  • (6) All feed for the pigeons shall be stored in such containers to protect against intrusion by rodents and other vermin.

  • (7) The loft shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all applicable health regulations. The owner shall take any and all steps necessary to prevent fly breeding, fleas and rodents.

  • (8) Waste material shall not be a source of odor and shall be disposed of in an approved manner.

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City of Oakdale, CA § 4-25

ANIMALS AND FOWL

§ 4-26

• (9) No dead animals shall be buried on the premises.

• (10) All pigeons shall be confined to the loft, except for limited periods necessary for exercise, training and competition; and at no time shall pigeons be allowed to perch or linger on buildings or fences, or other common or private property, including that of others.

• (11) All pigeons shall be fed within the confines of the loft.

• (12) No one shall release pigeons to fly for exercise, training or competition except in compliance with the following provisions:

  • a. The owner of the pigeons must be a member in good standing of an organized pigeon club, such as the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc., the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers, the National Pigeon Association, the American Tippler Society, the International Roller Association, the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club, California State Racing Pigeon Organization, or a local club which has rules that will help preserve the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.

  • b. Pigeons will not be released for flying which have been fed within the previous four hours.

  • c. Pigeons shall be banded and registered with one of the national pigeon associations/ registries.

• (13) All lofts shall be periodically inspected for compliance with the provisions of this section and for compliance with the terms of any permit.

• (c) Permit required: The keeping of pigeons may be authorized at the discretion of the chief of police, or designee(s). Any such permit shall be issued to the owner and shall remain in full force and effective unless suspended or revoked, or unless the use of the loft is discontinued for a period of one year.

• (d) Permit application process: Application for a permit to keep pigeons shall be made by submitting a complete application form to the community development department for processing in accordance with the provisions herein. A fee shall be paid by the applicant to cover the costs of processing and administering the permit application by the City. Such fee shall be set by council resolution, and may be amended from time to time.

• (e) Notice: Owners of residences adjoining the property for which the permit is requested shall be given notice of intent to permit pigeons pursuant to this section.

• (f) Permit revocation: The chief of police, or designee(s) shall revoke any permit to keep pigeons if it has been determined that said pigeons have become a public nuisance. The keeping of pigeons on a particular property shall be deemed a public nuisance if two complaints of noise, odor, or failure to comply with the provisions of this Code are filed from separate households. [Ord. No. 1109A, § 2]