Rohnert Park Municipal Code Ch. 6.06 Commercial Kennels, Hobby Kennels, Pet Shops

No person shall conduct, operate or keep any commercial kennel, hobby kennel or pet shop within the city without first obtaining a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. In no case does this licensing requirement replace the requirement for a city business license.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

Application for a license for a commercial kennel, hobby kennel or pet shop shall be made in writing to the city or designee by the owner of the facility within thirty days after the establishment of such a kennel within the city. Such application shall be on a form approved by the city and shall be accompanied by a license fee, the amount of which shall be established by the resolution of the city council. If all other requirements for licensing under this chapter are met, such license fee shall be waived for any commercial kennel devoted exclusively to training or breeding assistance dogs. The city shall require such proof of qualification as the city deems necessary prior to waiving the license fee for any such facility. If the owner of any commercial kennel, hobby kennel or pet shop fails to make application for a license within thirty days after receipt of notice from the city to obtain a license, such owner shall pay a penalty for late licensing, in an amount of which shall be established by the city council, in addition to the normal licensing fee. The license fee for commercial kennel licenses shall be in lieu of the license fees and registration fees required for individual animals. The license fee for hobby kennel licenses shall be in addition to the license fees and registration fees required for individual animals.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

A. Upon receipt of an application for a commercial kennel, hobby kennel or pet shop license the city or designee shall review the application and inspect the premises to be licensed. If the city finds that the requirements of this chapter have been complied with, the city shall issue such license to the owner. If the city finds otherwise, then the city shall deny the license.

B. When issuing a license pursuant to this chapter, the city or designee may make the license subject to such reasonable conditions as the city deems necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare and the protection of animals.

C. Upon issuing a hobby kennel license and payment of the license fees required, the city shall provide the owner of the hobby kennel facility with individual dog license tags for each dog kept on the licensed premises under the license and individual cat license tags for each cat kept on the licensed premises under the license.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

Every commercial kennel, hobby kennel, or pet shop license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be annual, based on a calendar year. The fee is due and payable on January 1 of each year or on the date the commercial enterprise begins operation. The fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. The procedure for renewal of any such license shall be the same as for obtaining an original license. If the owner fails to make application for the renewal of such license within sixty days after its expiration, such owner shall pay a penalty for such late application in the same amount as authorized under Section 6.06.030.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

The city may deny or revoke any license issued pursuant to this chapter in the any of following situations:

A. Whenever the animal control officer determines by inspection that the licensed premises violate any of the conditions of the license, this title or state law.

B. Whenever the animal control officer has reason to believe that the owner of the licensed facility has willfully withheld or falsified any information required for the license.

C. Whenever the animal control officer has reason to believe that the owner of the licensed facility, or any employee of the owner who is presently employed by the owner, has been convicted by a court of law within the past five years of a violation of this Title or any other law relating to animals, public nuisance caused by animals or cruelty to animals, in this or any other state. For purposes of this section, a forfeiture of bail shall be deemed to be a conviction of the offense.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

Prior to denial or revocation of a license issued pursuant to this chapter, the city shall notify the owner of the facility, in writing by certified mail, of the intent to deny or revoke the license, the reasons for such denial or revocation, and that such owner may make a written request for a hearing within ten days after the mailing of such notice if he or she desires to challenge the denial or revocation. If a valid request for a hearing is filed, the city shall set the time and place for the hearing and cause notice of such hearing to be given pursuant to this chapter.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

If a license applied for or granted under this chapter is denied or revoked, the city shall not grant a new license to the same person for the same activity at the same location for one year after the date of the denial or revocation unless the applicant demonstrates and /or the animal control officer determines by investigation or inspection upon a preponderance of the evidence, in which the burden of proof is upon the applicant, that the grounds upon which the application was denied or the license revoked no longer exists.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

No commercial kennel, hobby kennel or pet shop license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be transferable.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

Every commercial kennel, hobby kennel or pet shop license issued pursuant to this chapter shall post its license in some conspicuous part of the licensed premises.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

As a condition to the issuance or renewal of any commercial kennel, hobby kennel, or pet shop license issued pursuant to this chapter, the animal control officer shall have the authority to conduct periodic inspections of the licensed premises. The owner of the facility shall make available to the animal control officer such information regarding the operation of the facility as the animal control officer shall require.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

The animal control officer shall establish regulations and standards for commercial kennels, hobby kennels and pet shops licensed pursuant to this chapter relating to the following:

A. The maximum number and species of animals to be kept on the licensed premises.

B. The construction, sanitation and maintenance of the facilities on the licensed premises.

C. Any other matters pertaining to the humane care, confinement and treatment of animals that the animal control officer deems necessary.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)

Every commercial kennel licensed pursuant to this chapter shall keep available, on the licensed premises, records available for inspection by the animal control officer. These records shall contain all of the following:

A. The name, current address, and telephone number of the owner or guardian of each animal at the kennel.

B. The date each animal entered the kennel.

C. The reason for each animal being at the kennel, such as for boarding, sale, breeding or grooming.

D. A description of each animal at the kennel, including its age, breed, sex and color.

E. A current, valid rabies certificate for each animal over four months of age kept at the kennel.

(Ord. 738 § 1 (part), 2005)