San Bernardino Municipal Code Ch. 6.06 Pigeons

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

FANCY PIGEON. A pigeon which, through selective 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 include, but are not limited to, fantails, pouters and trumpeters.

LOFT. The structure(s) for the keeping or housing of pigeons permitted by this chapter.

MATURE PIGEON. A pigeon aged six months or older.

OWNER. The owner of pigeons subject to this chapter.

PIGEON. A member of the family Columbidae, and shall include “racing pigeons,” “fancy pigeons” and “sporting pigeons.”

RACING PIGEON. 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 the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. or the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers. This type of pigeon may also be commonly known as RACING HOMER, HOMING PIGEON or CARRIER PIGEON.

SPORTING PIGEON. 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 include, but are not limited to, rollers and tipplers.

The keeping, breeding, maintenance and flying of pigeons shall be permitted on the following conditions.

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

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

(C) The construction and location of the loft shall not conflict with the requirements of any building code or zoning code of the city.

(D) All feed for said pigeons shall be stored in such containers as to protect against intrusion by rodents and other pests.

(E) The loft shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all applicable health regulations of the city.

(F) 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 the buildings or property of others.

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

(H) No one shall release pigeons to fly for exercise, training or competition except in compliance with the following rules.

(1) 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; or a local club which has rules that will help preserve the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.

(2) Pigeons which have been fed within the previous four hours will not be released for flying.

(I) Pigeons shall be banded and registered with one of the national pigeon associations/registries.

On application signed by the owner, on such a form as shall be provided by the city, wherein the owner shall certify that his or her loft(s) comply with applicable building and zoning codes, and upon payment of a fee as set by the Mayor and City Council, a permit shall be issued to the owner, which shall remain in full force and effect unless suspended or revoked, or unless the use of the loft is discontinued for a period of one year. A condition of the permit shall be that the animal control officer shall be granted permission to inspect any property or loft at any reasonable time for the purpose of investigating either an actual or suspected violation or to ascertain compliance or non-compliance with this chapter. The animal control officer may report violators to any local or nationally recognized pigeon club for the purposes of educating and assisting any owner who is in violation of this chapter.