§ 28-5-33. Keeping of Pets.

Animals kept as pets by the residents of a dwelling unit shall be kept in accordance with all applicable City ordinances and regulations as well as the following provisions, except as permitted under Section 28-5-50, Keeping Chickens as Pets Accessory to a Residential Use:

(a)

Purpose. It is the intent of this Section to allow for the keeping of pets for the sole use and enjoyment of the residents of the lot on which such animals are kept, while at the same time to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of residents of neighborhoods by not allowing pets of a number and type that would otherwise constitute a nuisance or menace to the public health and safety or cause a disturbance of the peace in neighborhoods;

(b)

Keeping of Household Pets. Animals that may be kept within a residence as household pets include domestic dogs and cats, tropical birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, white mice, fish, rabbits, and turtles;

(c)

Keeping of Wild or Exotic Animals as Pets. Except for those wild and exotic animals specifically recognized as household pets in Section 28-5-33(b), the keeping of wild or exotic animals as pets is prohibited; and

(d)

Keeping of Livestock or Poultry as Pets. Livestock and poultry may only be kept as an accessory use to, and on the premises with, a single-family residence. The following regulations shall apply to the keeping of livestock or poultry as pets:

(1)

Enclosure or Structure Required. All livestock or poultry kept or raised as pets shall be kept within an enclosure or structure and not be permitted to roam free. Enclosures or structures for livestock or poultry, and manure storage areas shall not be located within fifty (50) feet of any lot line.

(2)

Minimum Lot Size.

a.

A lot where livestock is kept or raised as pets shall be a minimum of two (2) acres in size for the first animal, except in the Open Space Residential (RO) District where one acre is required for the first animal. In all districts there shall be an additional one acre of lot area provided for each additional animal, and

b.

A lot where poultry is kept or raised as pets shall be a minimum of one acre in size and up to five (5) fowl may be accommodated on the minimum lot. There shall be an additional one-fifth ( 1/5 ) acre of lot area provided for each additional fowl.

(Ord. No. 2860, §§ III, IV, 12-12-11)