§ 21.45.115. Outdoor keeping of animals.

A.

Purpose: The purpose of this section is to implement regulations governing the outdoor keeping of animals as a permitted accessory use, for non-commercial use, in residential districts as defined in 21.45. These regulations exclude dogs, domestic cats, and large domestic animals. This section shall not authorize an accessory use for the keeping of any animals outlawed for personal ownership by other laws or regulations.

B.

Definition: The accessory use term "outdoor keeping of animals" as used in this section means the restraining or restricting the movement of animals outside of a principal structure, by any means not involving the continued presence and/or participation of a human being. As used in this section, the accessory use term "outdoor keeping of animals" shall not be construed to include dogs, domestic cats, or large domestic animals.

C.

Applicable zoning districts: Other provisions of this title notwithstanding, the outdoor keeping of animals shall be a permitted accessory use, subject to the supplementary district regulations of this section, in all residential zoning districts except for these prohibitions and exclusions:

1.

The outdoor keeping of animals is prohibited in the R-4 zoning district and on lots or tracts with more than two dwelling units. The R-4 zoning district and lots or tracts with more than two dwelling units are excluded from the supplementary district regulations in this section.

2.

Animals, other than dogs, shall not be kept outdoors in mobile home parks. Mobile home parks are excluded from the supplementary district regulations in this section.

D.

Standards: The following accessory use standards apply to the outdoor keeping of all animals permitted under this section:

1.

On lots of 40,000 square feet or greater, the following shall apply:

a.

Non-commercial use shall not exceed one animal per 1,000 square feet of lot area. A facility license may be required pursuant to title 17.

b.

Structures for the outdoor keeping of animals shall not encroach into the setbacks of the zoning district and shall be at least 10 feet from any lot line.

2.

On lots smaller than 40,000 square feet, the following shall apply:

a.

Excessively noisy animals such as roosters, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, or geese are prohibited.

b.

Up to five animals may be kept on lots of 6,000 square feet or less, with an additional one animal per additional 1,000 square feet of lot area. A facility license may be required pursuant to title 17.

c.

Structures for the outdoor keeping of animals shall not encroach into the setbacks of the zoning district and shall be at least ten feet from any lot line.

d.

It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of an animal under this section to permit it to make chronic animal noise, as defined in AMC section 17.05.010.

3.

Any activity related to this use, which causes or may reasonably be expected to cause excessive noise, vibration, odor, smoke, dust or other particulate matter, toxic or noxious matter, radiation, humidity, heat or glare at or beyond any lot line of the lot on which it is located shall be prohibited.

4.

No permanent structure for the outdoor keeping of animals shall be erected closer than ten feet to any principal structure. The height of any structure used for the outdoor keeping of animals under this section shall not exceed the height permitted for accessory structures in the underlying zoning district.

5.

The term "excessive" is defined for the purpose of this section as to a degree exceeding that generated by uses permitted in the district in their customary manner of operation, or to a degree injurious to the public health, safety, welfare or convenience.

(AO No. 2011-50(S), § 1, 4-26-11)