Ventura Municipal Code § 8.50.010 Adoption by reference

3 Cross reference(s): Agricultural use types, Section 24.115.410 et seq.; agricultural zone, Chapter 24.270.

Prior legislation: Code 1971 §§ 4411 – 4413, 4421 – 4429, 4431 – 4435, 4441 – 4448, 4451 – 4457, 4459, 4461 – 4466, 4471 – 4475, 4477, 4478, 4481 – 4486; Ords. No. 2001-17, 2002-15, 2004-020.

Chapter 4 of Division 4, Animals, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby adopted by reference by the city of San Buenaventura to the extent such does not conflict with this code. In the instance of conflicting provisions, the provisions of this code shall apply. (Ord. No. 2022-010, § 1, 7-11-22)

The following words, phrases, and terms, as used in this chapter and the county animal control ordinance, shall be defined as follows:

“City” shall mean the city of San Buenaventura.

“County,” “Ventura County,” or “county of Ventura” shall mean the city of San Buenaventura under the county animal control ordinance in those instances where the city has not contracted with the county of Ventura to provide animal control services and in those instances where the county animal control ordinance refers to the jurisdiction boundaries of the county of Ventura.

“County animal control ordinance” shall mean Chapter 4, Animals, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code.

“Director” shall mean the police chief of the city in those instances where the city has not contracted with the county of Ventura to provide animal control services.

“Division” shall mean the city clerk when referenced in respect to administrative hearings or appeals and where the city has not contracted with the county of Ventura to provide administrative hearing and appeal services.

“Reviewing official” shall mean the person designated by the police chief of the city.

“Unincorporated areas of Ventura County,” “unincorporated areas of the county,” or “unincorporated Ventura County” shall mean the city of San Buenaventura. (Ord. No. 2022-010, § 1, 7-11-22)

A. No person shall bring onto or allow to remain on any public beach adjacent to the Pacific Ocean or any bay or inlet thereof any animal unless such animal is securely leashed, and the leash is held continuously in the hands of a responsible person capable of controlling such animal.

B. Any person having custody or control of an animal (except a guide dog used by the blind) when such animal defecates upon any public beach, sidewalk, park, or school ground, or any property owned or controlled by the city shall promptly pick up and remove the feces from the public beach, sidewalk, park, or school ground, or any property owned or controlled by the city.

C. Any person who has custody or control of an animal (except a guide dog used by the blind) in a location other than in a vehicle or on the property of such person or on the property of the owner of the animal shall at all times have in their immediate possession a wrapper, bag or container (other than articles of personal clothing) suitable for the purpose of picking up and removing the feces of such animal. (Ord. No. 2022-010, § 1, 7-11-22)

A. Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, properly licensed and tagged (i.e., ownership identification) dogs without vicious, dangerous or aggressive propensities may be exercised without a leash in the designated areas and at the designated times established by the parks manager, at the Arroyo Verde and Camino Real parks subject to the following rules and regulations:

1. No dog is permitted in the off-leash area unless it is under the care, custody and control of a caretaker who is a person 18 years or older.

2. Dogs are permitted off-leash in the designated areas only during the posted hours of operation.

3. All dogs must be vaccinated for rabies, and have a current animal license. No dog that is sick, in heat, vicious, aggressive or has previously bitten any person is permitted in the off-leash area.

4. All dogs must be under the voice control of their caretakers at all times. The caretaker must remain present within the off-leash dog area at all times, must carry a leash, and must leash the dog at the first sign of aggression.

5. The caretaker must promptly remove and dispose of the dog’s litter. Caretaker bears full responsibility for filling any holes and repairing damage to the park created by the dog.

6. No animals other than dogs are permitted in an off-leash area. No dog obedience classes may be conducted in an off-leash area.

B. The use of an off-leash area by a dog and its caretaker will constitute the caretaker’s agreement to comply with the rules contained in this section as well as those regulations posted by the parks manager with respect to the use of such off-leash areas.

C. The use of an off-leash area by a dog and its caretaker will constitute the caretaker’s agreement to protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the city from any claim, injury or damage arising from or in connection with such use. (Ord. No. 2022-010, § 1, 7-11-22)

No person shall have, keep, maintain, or have in their possession or under their control any bees in or upon any premises except when kept within a school or laboratory for educational or scientific purposes. (Ord. No. 2022-010, § 1, 7-11-22)

Fees due under this chapter shall be set by the fee schedule adopted by resolution of the Ventura County board of supervisors pursuant to the county animal control ordinance. Should the city cease to contract with the county of Ventura for animal control services, the amount of such fees will be established by resolution of the city council. (Ord. No. 2022-010, § 1, 7-11-22)

A. Each and every violation of this chapter by any person is a misdemeanor and may be punished as such according to the provisions of Chapter 1.150.

B. Each and every violation of the provisions of this chapter is hereby deemed unlawful and a public nuisance.

C. Each and every violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate violation and shall be subject to all remedies and enforcement measures authorized by this code. Additionally, as a nuisance per se, any violation of this chapter shall be subject to injunctive relief. Violators shall be liable for payment to the city of any monies unlawfully obtained, costs of abatement, costs of investigation, attorney’s fees, and any other relief or remedy available at law or in equity. The city may also pursue any and all remedies and actions available and applicable under state and local laws.

D. The remedies provided herein are not to be construed as exclusive remedies. The city is authorized to pursue any proceedings or remedies provided by law and the Ventura County animal control ordinance. (Ord. No. 2022-010, § 1, 7-11-22)