Sec. 26-111. - Animal keeping. — West Covina Zoning Code

The purpose of this section is to permit and regulate the keeping and maintenance of animals on any lot or parcel being legally used as a single-family residence and/or zoned for residential use without changing the residential character of surrounding neighborhoods. The following animals of such type, size and number so as not to be capable of inflicting harm or discomfort or endangering the peace, health or safety of any person or property.

(a)

Household pets. Provided that not more than three (3) adult dogs or four (4) adult cats, one (1) miniature potbellied pig or a combination of three (3) such animals may be kept on any lot unless a conditional use permit has been granted authorizing the development, maintenance, and operation of a hobby kennel on the lot.

(b)

Poultry and fowl provided that not more than six (6) birds are maintained on any lot or parcel, with the exception of domestic homing pigeons in excess of six (6) birds approved through an administrative permit outlined in subsection (2) below.

(1)

Roosters are prohibited.

(2)

Domestic homing pigeons, in excess of six (6) birds and not more than twenty-four (24) birds on any lot or parcel may be permitted subject to the approval of an administrative permit and compliance with the standards listed below. Domestic homing pigeons are defined as members of the family Columbidae, and include "racing pigeons," "fancy pigeons," and "sporting pigeons," as defined by the American Racing Pigeon Union and can be identified by a numbered leg band issued by a recognized national or state pigeon organization or other organization recognized by the City of West Covina.

a.

A detailed plan of the loft showing its location on the property and evidence of membership and/or certification by one (1) of the above-mentioned organizations shall be submitted in conjunction with the administrative permit application.

b.

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

c.

No loft structure shall be closer than ten (10) feet to any separate accessory building on the subject site.

d.

Lofts and pigeons shall be located no closer than thirty-five (35) feet from any property line and/or habitable building on the subject site.

e.

Lofts and pigeons shall be located no closer than one hundred (100) feet from any school or hospital property.

f.

All feed for pigeons shall be stored in sealed containers in a manner as to protect against intrusion by rodents and other vermin.

g.

The hours in which exercising/training may occur are limited by the administrative permit.

h.

Each pigeon shall not be allowed out of its loft more than one (1) time in a twenty-four-hour period.

i.

Pigeons shall not be allowed out of their loft except for exercising/training or when being transported for a flight.

Facilities and equipment shall be cleaned daily and maintained in a clean and healthy condition.

k.

No one shall release pigeons to fly for exercise, training, or competition except in compliance with the following:

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 shall not be released for flying which have been fed within the previous four (4) hours.

3.

All pigeons shall be banded and registered with one (1) of the national pigeon associations/registries.

(c)

Small animals such as rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, reptiles, and other small animals (subject to Section 671, Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations) raised for:

(1)

Domestic noncommercial use in residential zones. Provided not more than a total of six (6) of such animals maintained on a site.

(d)

Bovine animals, sheep and goats or any combination thereof shall only be allowed in the R-A zone on sites having at least twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, provided that the following ratio of animals to lot area is maintained and that they are owned only by persons residing on the parcel:

Table 4-1 Number of Bovine Animals per Lot Size

Number of Animals	Lot Area
1	20,000 sq ft
2	35,000 sq ft
3	43,560 sq ft (one acre)

(e)

Horses may be maintained on lots of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or greater. The number of horses over nine (9) months of age permitted to be maintained shall be as follows:

Table 4-2 Number of Horses Per Lot Size

Number of Horses	Minimum Lot Area (square feet)
2	20,000
3	27,500
4	35,000
5	42,500+

(f)

For lots that abut equestrian facilities and trails, the number of horses permitted to be maintained shall be increased as follows:

Table 4-3 Number of Horses per Lot Size (Adjacent to Special Facilities Park)

Number of Horses	Minimum Lot Area (Square feet)
2	20,000
3	25,000
4	30,000
5	35,000+

(g)

The keeping of horses under ten (10) months of age are not subject to the limitations stated above.

(h)

An additional number of horses, bovine animals more than those permitted above, may be maintained up to a maximum of ten (10), subject to the granting of a conditional use permit.

(i)

Commercial boarding or breeding of horses may be permitted subject to the granting of a conditional use permit.

(j)

Poultry, homing pigeons, small animals, bovine animals, and horses must be kept within a corral, pen, or other suitable enclosure maintained so as to confine such animals. In addition, horses must be provided with a corral or stable area of the following minimum sizes:

(1)

Corral. Two hundred forty (240) square feet per horse; minimum dimensions of twelve (12) feet by twenty (20) feet;

(2)

Stable. Twelve (12) feet by twelve (12) feet per horse.

(3)

Corrals shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in height and shall be constructed of material to adequately confine the horses.

(k)

The location of barns, corrals, or stables shall comply with applicable zoning setback requirements. A barn, corral, or stable may be located within fifty (50) feet of a front property line at the discretion of the Community Development Director or their designee or his designee through an administrative permit where the design and appearance of such structures is determined to be harmonious with and complementary to that of surrounding properties.

(l)

Refuse from animals shall be stored in water-tight receptacles with close fitting lids or stockpiled for composting. The outer layer of manure shall be covered with polyethylene tarp and sealed by covering the edges with soil for animal composting. Stored animal refuse shall be disposed of not less than once per week.

(m)

Barns, corrals, or stables shall be cleaned and maintained on a weekly basis such that dust, flies, and odors shall not be detectable from adjacent properties.

(n)

Notwithstanding the poultry and animals permitted to be kept, no wild and dangerous or wild and potentially dangerous animal or animals (as defined in chapter 6 article I of this Code) shall be brought into, kept, harbored, possessed, liberated, or maintained on any portion of any lot or within any building or structure thereon.

(1)

This prohibition shall not apply to any offspring of any legally kept wild animal until such offspring reaches an age of four (4) months.

(2)

This prohibition shall not apply to any circus or show involving the temporary exhibition of wild animals when otherwise permitted under this Code.

(o)

Miniature pot-bellied pig. Miniature pot-bellied pigs commonly referred to as a pygmy pig or mini pig, which stands no higher than twenty (20) inches at the shoulder and is no longer than forty (40) inches from the tip of the snout to the end of the buttocks and weighs no more than one hundred twenty (120) pounds shall be permitted.

(1)

Only one (1) miniature pot-bellied pig shall be permitted per single-family residential lot.

(2)

If kept outdoors, the pot-belly pig must be maintained at least twenty (20) feet from any habitable dwellings (other than the permittees).

(3)

Breeding of the pot-bellied pig is prohibited. Each pig shall be surgically altered to prevent reproduction. Evidence of such surgery shall be submitted to the City prior to the approval of an administrative permit for miniature pot-bellied pigs.

(4)

The owner of the miniature pot-bellied pig is responsible for ensuring that the animal is maintained in a manner which complies with chapter 6, article II pertaining to the general keeping of miniature pot-bellied pigs and the licensing requirements thereof.

(5)

The keeping of adult dogs and adult cats in conjunction with a miniature pot-bellied pig shall be limited such that the total number of adult household pets, including the one (1) miniature pot-bellied pig, shall not exceed three (3) for a single-family residential property.

(6)

If kept as an indoor pet, a minimum of one hundred (100) square feet outdoor cemented, or turfed, fenced with solid footings, smooth-surfaced floor run shall be provided.

(7)

If kept outdoors a minimum of two hundred (200) square feet cemented, or turfed, fenced with solid footings, smooth-surfaced floor run shall be provided. Said fenced area must comply with all setback requirements for the underlying area district and be maintained in an orderly and odor-free manner.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)