(a) (1) "Domestic farm animals," as used in this Section, shall mean domesticated animals or fowl which are not classified as wild animals or exotic animals by any provision of state or federal law, and are typically and historically associated with farms and agricultural uses of property, and shall include without limitation any miniature breeds of such animals. "Domestic farm animals" does not include dogs, cats, parakeets, fish and similar pets.
(2) "Hoofed animals" means domestic farm animals which are classified as ungulates, including without limitation alpacas, cattle, goats, horses, llamas, donkeys, burros, mules, ponies, sheep and swine.
(3) "Fowl" means domestic farm animals which are birds of any kind, including without limitation chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons and guinea hens.
(4) "Property" as used in this Section includes only that real estate owned or leased in writing by the owner or keeper of the animals.
(b) Except as provided herein, domestic farm animals shall not be kept or harbored on any property located within the City of Ashtabula.
(c) Requirements and Standards. Domestic farm animals are allowed on property located within the City only in accordance with the following requirements and standards:
(1) The property where any hoofed animals will be kept is at least two and one-half (2.5) acres (108,900 square feet) in area excluding the portion covered by residential structures;
(2) Fowl are kept in a structure specifically designed or adapted to house domestic farm animals, maintained in sanitary condition and in good repair. Coops or roosts for fowl must be located at least 15 feet from the nearest property line of any property not owned or leased by the keeper of the fowl. Fowl shall not be housed or kept in front yards.
(3) Hoofed animals are kept in a structure specifically designed or adapted to house domestic farm animals, maintained in sanitary condition and in good repair. Stables or pens for hoofed animals must be located at least 25 feet from the nearest property line of any property not owned or leased by the keeper of the animal(s). Hoofed animals shall not be housed or kept in front yards.
(4) Any domestic farm animal pasture, paddock, run or other area where any hoofed animal will graze or roam is at least 50 feet from the nearest foundation wall of any existing residence on any property not owned or leased by the animal's keeper, and is appropriately fenced or secured to keep the animals inside. Electric and barbed-wire fences are not permitted inside the City corporate limits.
(5) The domestic farm animals are kept in a manner that is safe, sanitary and healthful for the animals according to generally-accepted principles of animal husbandry, including guidelines promulgated, enforced, adopted or published by the City, County and State Boards of Health and the Ohio State University Farm Extension program;
(6) Proof of necessary or required vaccinations is maintained; and
(7) Manure, droppings, uneaten food and other waste is removed and disposed of at least weekly in a safe and sanitary fashion that does not cause a public nuisance.
(d) Limitations.
(1) No more than two (2) neutered male or female horses or other hoofed animals, or more than six ( 6) chickens, hens or other fowl, shall be kept at any single location unless the property where they will be kept totals five (5) or more acres in size not including the area covered by any residential structures.
(2) Stallions or roosters shall not be kept in the City.
(e) Penalties. Whoever violates paragraphs (b) or (d) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense, and a 4th degree misdemeanor for a second offense within five years of a prior conviction for the same or a similar offense. Each day of continuing violation may be prosecuted as a separate offense. (Ord. 2017-113. Passed 9-18-17.)