San Leandro Municipal Code Art. 13 Animal Permit

(Legislative History: Ordinance No. 2013-007, 9/16/13 (Section 4-11-1305))

(a) Permit Required. An Animal Permit is required for the keeping of chickens on parcels smaller than 4,500 square feet, and for the keeping of any animals in a manner that would otherwise exceed the limits or regulations set forth in the Municipal Code. Applicants for an Animal Permit shall provide a complete application form and a fee as set forth in the City's fee schedule for the required review and inspection. The permit will specify animals covered and number of animals permitted. Permit holders will be entitled to keep up to the number of animals permitted.

(b) Inspection. Prior to issuance of an Animal Permit, Animal Control Services shall conduct an inspection of the premises at any reasonable hour for inspection in order to make the following determinations, to the extent they are applicable to the particular animal:

(1) All applicable housing and care requirements set forth in Section 4-11-1110 are met.

(2) Adequate Fencing Exists. Depending on the animals and the specific features of the lot, additional fencing can be mandated as a prerequisite to Animal Permit approval in order to ensure the safety of both the animals and the public.

(c) Required Findings. In order to grant the Animal Permit, the following additional findings must be made:

(1) The keeping of the animals at the location specified in the application will not violate any ordinance or other City or State regulations.

(2) The keeping and maintenance of the animal will not endanger the peace, health or safety of persons in the immediate vicinity or in the City as a whole and will not constitute a nuisance.

(3) The premises and housing where the animal(s) will be kept are in clean and sanitary condition, and the animal(s) will not be subject to suffering, neglect, cruelty or abuse.

(d) Mediation. Upon receipt of a nuisance complaint regarding the holder of an Animal Permit, Animal Control Services may require the complainant(s) to mediate with the Animal Permit holder as a precondition of investigation, citation and abatement of the nuisance. Such cases may be referred to the Alameda County Mediation Program. If the Animal Control Director determines mediation is appropriate and the complainants agree to mediate but the alleged violator refuses, the Animal Control Director may proceed with investigation and any appropriate enforcement.

(e) Renewal of Permit. Every two years a renewal permit shall be obtained by a holder of an Animal Permit. The fee for the issuance of a permit and each renewal permit shall be established by City Council resolution, and the renewal permit fee is due and payable each year on the anniversary of the date of the issuance of the initial permit. The renewal fee shall become delinquent 30 days after it becomes due and payable, and upon delinquency, an additional delinquent fee established by resolution of the City Council may be added to the succeeding year's renewal fee.

(f) Inspection of Permit. Animal Permits issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall be surrendered for inspection by the permit holder upon the request of the Animal Control Director or an Animal Control Officer.

(g) Additional Inspections. The premises on which an animal is maintained pursuant to an Animal Permit may be open at any reasonable hour for inspection by the Animal Control Director or designee.