Signal Hill Municipal Code Ch. 6.04 Animal Control

A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the following chapters of that certain document entitled, "Title 6. Animals, Long Beach Municipal Code," and all appendices, tables, and indices thereto, as the same existed on September 7, 2009 (hereafter "Animal Code"), are hereby adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set out herein, and the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the city, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 et seq. of the California Government Code:

• 1. Chapter 6.04, Animal Shelter;
• 2. Chapter 6.08, Dog Licensing;
• 3. Chapter 6.12, Rabies Control;
• 4. Chapter 6.16, Animal Regulation;
• 5. Chapter 6.20, Fowl, Rabbits and Goats;
• 6. Chapter 6.28, Protection of Animals Utilized By Police Department.

B. One copy of the Animal Code, described in this section, has been deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the city clerk for use and examination by the public.

(Ord. 2009-10-1407, § 1: Ord. 2006-09-1365, § 1)

Whenever any of the following titles or terms are used in the Animal Code, each such title or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section as follows:

A. "City council" means the city council of the City of Signal Hill.

B. "Director" means the director of the Animal Care Services Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services of the City of Long Beach.

C. "Health officer" means the health officer for the County of Los Angeles.

D. "Officer," except for police officer, means any animal control officer authorized by the director to enforce the provisions of this code.

E. "Police officer" means a police officer of the City of Signal Hill.

(Ord. 2009-10-1407, § 2: Ord. 2006-09-1365, § 1)

Section 6.08.010 of the Animal Code is amended to read as follows: "No person responsible for any dog shall have any such dog, male or female, over the age of four months, within the city without at all times having upon such dog a collar or harness to which shall be securely fastened a tag as provided in this chapter. Said tag may be issued at any time during the calendar year and may be issued for a period of twelve months. The tag shall be obtained from the director, or his or her assignee, inscribed with the letters and words ‘Signal Hill,' or comparable language identifying the city, and with the serial number of the tag. The tag shall be sufficient only during the period for which the tag is issued."

(Ord. 2009-10-1407, § 3: Ord. 2006-09-1365, § 1)

No person may keep, maintain, establish, or permit on property owned, leased, or controlled by him or her, a kennel, as defined in Section 20.04.420 of this code, unless same is located in the “CI-Commercial Industrial, LI-Light Industrial, and GI–General Industrial” Zones and authorized by a duly issued conditional use permit. (Reference SHMC 20.20.20)

(Ord. 2006-09-1365, § 1; Ord. 2012-02-1444, § 1)

No person may keep, maintain, or establish, or permit on property owned, leased, or controlled by him or her, a kennel or breeding business without first having procured a license from the city to do so or without first complying with the provisions of Chapter 5.04 of this code, related to business licenses.

(Ord. 2006-09-1365, § 1)

A. A total of not more than four weaned household pets may be kept at one site. "Household pet" means an animal customarily kept in a house, such as dogs, cats, rabbits and the like. No wild, exotic, or livestock animals shall be considered household pets. This limitation on keeping pets shall not apply to fish, rodents (other than rabbits), or caged birds, provided the birds are not allowed to fly free and are maintained in accordance with all applicable health regulations.

B. All household pets shall be kept at all times in a manner which does not damage or pose hazards to people or property and which does not generate offensive dust, odors or noise.

(Ord. 2006-09-1365, § 1)

A. Violation of or failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Chapter 6.04, including any provisions of any code adopted by this chapter, shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both. Alternatively, at the sole discretion of the charging officer or the city attorney, a violation may be charged as an infraction, punishable in accordance with the penalties stated in paragraph (c) of Section 1.16.010 of this code.

B. In addition to criminal penalties, any person who violates any provision of this chapter may also be issued an administrative citation by the director or Animal Care Services Bureau enforcement officers or inspectors.

C. Each and every day a violation exists constitutes a separate and distinct offense.

D. Civil fines shall be assessed by means of administrative citations and shall be payable directly to the City of Signal Hill.

E. Administrative fines for violations of this chapter shall be assessed as follows:

1. A fine for each initial violation, in an amount established by the city council by resolution;

2. A fine for each instance of a second violation of the same code section within one year from the date of the first violation, in an amount established by the city council by resolution; and

3. A fine for each additional violation of the same code section within one year from the date of the first violation, in an amount established by the city council by resolution.

(Ord. 2009-10-1407, § 4: Ord. 2006-09-1365, § 2)