Upland Municipal Code Ch. 6.16 Homing Pigeons

The purpose of this chapter is to permit, subject to proper regulation, the keeping and flying of racing homing pigeons as a recreational sport and hobby, and for no other purpose.

(PC § 4120.1)

The term "homing pigeons"

means a pigeon trained to return home from a distance. Such homing pigeons can be identified by a seamless leg band issued by the American Racing Pigeon Union and marked with the letters AU, and the figures designating the year issued.

(PC § 4120.2)

Homing pigeons, which are not raised or kept for the market or other commercial purpose, may be kept and liberated for exercise or racing within not less than 25 feet from any door, window or other opening of any dwelling, except neighboring property where the distance shall be 50 feet, if a permit in writing, authorizing the keeping and liberating for exercise and racing of such homing pigeons be first applied for and obtained from the city. Each application for a permit to keep and liberate for exercise and racing of such homing pigeons shall be made upon forms to be furnished for that purpose by the city, signed by the applicant and filed with the city.

(PC § 4120.3)

Such permit shall be issued by the city, subject to and upon compliance by the applicant with the following conditions:

A. All feed for such homing pigeons shall be stored in containers which offer protection against rodents.

B. All homing pigeon droppings and food scraps shall be removed from the premises at least once a week and disposed of in a sanitary manner.

C. The lofts or pigeon houses where the homing pigeons are kept shall be soundly constructed, properly maintained and adequately landscaped to blend with and conform to the surrounding area.

D. The lofts or pigeon houses shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all health regulations of the city and those promulgated by the California State Racing Pigeon Organization.

E. The city, or its duly authorized representative, shall have the right to inspect each such loft and pigeon house at such times as it shall deem advisable.

F. Each permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be valid for the period of one year from and after the date of issuance.

G. No more than 60 pigeons, exclusive of nestlings, shall be kept on any one lot or parcel of ground located in the several residential or commercial zones of the city as the same are defined in Title 17 of this code.

(PC § 4120.4)

Any person guilty of violating any provisions of this chapter shall upon conviction thereof, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine in a sum not to exceed $1,000.00, or be imprisoned for a period not to exceed six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(Prior code § 4120.5; Ord. 1812 § 1(B), 2006)