(a) Definitions. Certain words and terms as used in this section are defined as follows:
(1) "Pigeon" means a member of the family Columbidae, and includes "Racing Pigeons", "Fancy Pigeons" and "Sporting Pigeons" as defined in this section.
(2) "Racing Pigeon" means a pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the distinctive physical and mental characteristics as to enable it to return to its home after having been released a considerable distance therefrom, and which is accepted as such by the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers or the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc., also commonly known as Racing Home, Homing Pigeon or Carrier Pigeon.
(3) "Fancier Pigeon" means a pigeon which, through past breeding, has developed certain distinctive physical and performing characteristics as to be clearly identified and accepted as such by the National Pigeon Association, the American Pigeon Club or the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club. Examples: Fantails, Pouters, Trumpeters.
(4) "Sporting Pigeon" means a pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the ability to fly in a distinctive manner, such as aerial acrobatics or endurance flying. Examples: Rollers, Tipplers.
(5) "Loft" means the structure(s) for the keeping or housing of pigeons permitted by this section.
(6) "Permit" means a license issued by the Building Department for the maintenance of a pigeon loft.
(7) "Mature pigeon" means a pigeon aged six months or older.
(8) "Owner" means the owner of pigeons subject to this section.
(b) Conditions for Keeping Pigeons. The keeping, breeding, maintenance and flying of pigeons shall be permitted, and a permit shall be issued therefor, on the following conditions:
(1) The loft shall be of such sufficient size and design, and constructed of such material, that it can be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition; cannot be an eyesore to the neighborhood in appearance and shall be presentable to the neighborhood.
(2) There shall be at least one square foot of floor space in any loft for each mature pigeon kept therein.
(3) The construction and location of the loft shall be at least twenty-five feet from any residence and shall not conflict with the requirements of any Building Code or Zoning Code of the City.
(4) All feed for such pigeons shall be stored in such containers as to protect against intrusion by rodents and other vermin.
(5) The loft shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all applicable health regulations of the City. All pigeon waste shall be removed every twenty-four hours.
(6) All pigeons shall be confined to the loft, except for limited periods necessary for exercise, training and competition; and at no time shall pigeons be allowed to perch or linger on the buildings or property of others.
(7) All pigeons shall be fed within the confines of the loft.
(8) No one shall release pigeons to fly for exercise, training or competition except in compliance with the following rules:
A. The owner of the pigeons shall be a member in good standing of an organized pigeon club, such as the American Racing Pigeons 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 the Circleville Pigeon Club which has rules that shall help preserve the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.
B. Pigeons shall not be released for flying which have been fed within the previous eight hours.
(9) Pigeon owners shall reside on the property in which the pigeons are being raised, whether the property is owned or rented. Pigeon owners who rent or lease their place of residence shall have written consent of the property owner (landlord) to house pigeons on such property.
(10) Any medical records requested by the Mayor or its designee, (such as Building Inspector or Safety Director) or the Pickaway County Health Department shall be provided within twenty-four hours of such request.
(c) Permit Fee and Issuance. On application signed by the owner, on such form as shall be provided by the City, wherein the owner shall certify that his loft(s) comply with applicable building and zoning codes, and upon payment of a one-time fee of ten dollars ($10.00), a permit shall be issued to the owner, which shall remain in full force and effect unless suspended or revoked, or unless the use of the loft be discontinued for a period of one year.
(d) Right of Entry for Inspection. The Mayor or its designee (such as the Building Inspector, Safety Director or Law Enforcement Department), or the Pickaway County Health Department may enter and inspect any property or loft at any reasonable time for the purpose of investigating either an actual or suspected violation or to ascertain compliance or noncompliance with this section. The City shall first contact the President of the Circleville Pigeon Club to contact the member who is not meeting the standards set forth by this section to provide an open door for resolution.
(e) Violations and Penalty. When the Mayor or its designee (such as the Building Inspector, Safety Director or Law Enforcement Department) finds a violation to have occurred, a written notice may be served upon the owner personally or by certified mail with return notice requested. If such violation is not remedied within three days, the Mayor, Building Inspector, Safety Director or Law Enforcement Department may issue a citation to appear in Municipal Court to answer the charges stated thereon. Any owner found violating any of the provisions of this section shall upon conviction be guilty of a minor misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00). Three convictions within eighteen months shall result in the revocation of the permit for a period of one year.
(Ord. 11-100-92. Passed 11-3-92.)