§ 5-7. Maximum number of dogs and cats.

(a)

Dogs. The following restrictions apply to the maximum number of dogs that may be possessed or kept on any residential property, based on the area of the lot. Other applicable regulations, including the city zoning ordinance, shall still apply and should be consulted for restrictions on location of shelters and enclosures and other restrictions. "Kennels," as defined therein, are regulated under the zoning ordinance and section 5-9, herein.

(1)

Larger than two (2) acres. On any residential property that is larger than two (2) acres, there shall be no restriction on the number of dogs allowed to be possessed or kept, provided all other applicable provisions of this chapter are obeyed. However, any such property that contains more than six (6) dogs shall be required to maintain those animals in an enclosure at least one hundred (100) feet from the nearest property line.

(2)

Larger than one (1) acre but equal to or less than two (2) acres. On any residential property that is larger than one (1) acre, but equal to or less than two (2) acres, regardless of the designated zoning of said property, it shall be unlawful to possess or keep more than six (6) dogs.

(3)

Equal to or less than one (1) acre. On any residential property that is equal to or less than one (1) acre, it shall be unlawful to possess or keep more than three (3) dogs.

(4)

Multifamily units. For any dwelling unit in a multifamily development (e.g., apartment, condominium, townhome, mobile home parks, duplex, triplex, quadraplex or similar) it shall be unlawful to possess or keep more than three (3) dogs. The overall acreage of the development or property shall not control.

(b)

Cats. The following restrictions apply to the maximum number of cats that may be kept on any residential property, based on the area of the lot. Other applicable regulations, including the city zoning ordinance, shall still apply and should be consulted for restrictions on location of shelters and enclosures and other restrictions:

(1)

Larger than two (2) acres. On any residential property that is larger than two (2) acres, there shall be no restriction on the number of cats permitted provided other provisions of this chapter are obeyed.

(2)

Equal to or less than two (2) acres. On any residential property that is equal to or less than two (2) acres, it shall be unlawful to possess or keep more than six (6) cats.

(3)

Multifamily units. For any dwelling unit in a multifamily development (e.g., apartment, condominium, townhome, mobile home parks, duplex, triplex, quadraplex or similar) it shall be unlawful to possess or keep more than six (6) cats. The overall acreage of the development or property shall not control.

(c)

Other provisions. The limits on dogs and cats are independent. For example, a one and one-half (1½) acre parcel would allow up to six (6) dogs and up to six (6) cats. For litters of offspring, see section 5-8.

(d)

Livestock. The following restrictions apply to the maximum number of livestock animals that may be kept on any property, based on the area of the lot. Other applicable regulations, including the city zoning ordinance, shall still apply and should be consulted for restrictions on location of shelters and enclosures and other restrictions. Nothing in these provisions shall authorize keeping of livestock in zoning districts where livestock are not permitted:

(1)

Larger than ten (10) acres. On any property that is larger than ten (10) acres, there are no restrictions in this chapter as to the number of livestock that may be kept. Other applicable provisions as to type, adequate shelter, humane care, and so forth must be obeyed. Furthermore, the county zoning ordinance contains restrictions for setback, and certain livestock uses require a conditional use permit (e.g., chicken houses).

(2)

Larger than two (2) acres but equal to or less than ten (10) acres. On property that is larger than two (2) acres but equal to or less than ten (10) acres, limited numbers of livestock animals are permitted. No more than eight (8) livestock animals total shall be permitted on property in this size range or no more than twenty (20) chickens; if both chickens and other livestock animals are kept, no more than eight (8) animals total shall be permitted. Further, either a single chicken coop, or a single minor livestock enclosure for up to eight (8) animals, may be erected for housing livestock, but not both.

(3)

Equal to or less than two (2) acres. On any property that is equal to or less than two (2) acres, it shall be unlawful to possess or keep any livestock.

(e)

Definitions. For purposes of this section, "residential property" shall mean any property zoned to a residential classification under the city zoning ordinance, or any property containing or authorized to contain residential dwelling units (single or multifamily). "Possess or keep" shall mean owning, maintaining or raising, or otherwise keeping such animals on the premises.

(Ord. No. 46-12, § 1, 11-1-12)