For purposes of this section only, pet shall mean dogs or cats.
(A) Except as provided by this section, no residence in the city shall house more than four dogs or four cats or exceed the combined total of six such animals over the age of eight weeks.
(B) Any person desiring to keep more than four dogs or four cats or exceed the combined total of six such animals over the age of eight weeks at a residence may apply with the Animal Control Manager for a multi-pet permit. The applicant shall pay an annual permit fee of $25, as set by City Council, at the time of filing.
(1) The Animal Control Manager is authorized to issue such a permit if the following conditions are met:
(a) An applicant provides the Animal Control Manager with information concerning the maximum number of animals to be kept at any one time at such premises and a record search indicates that no enforcement action for violations of this chapter has been necessary within the preceding 12 months; and
(b) The Animal Control Manager inspects the property; inspection to include interviews with occupants of all immediately adjacent properties, and deems it appropriate for housing multiple pets based on criteria including, but not limited to:
1. Facilities shall be of sufficient size as to allow each animal to move about freely. Size of the facility shall be in proportion to the size of the individual animal's height and weight.
2. Adequate food, water, and shelter must be provided so that each and all animals kept shall be maintained in good health and free of malnutrition and/or dehydration and protected from the elements.
3. The said premises shall be kept in a sanitary condition and reasonably free of animal waste, parasites, insects, and flies that could be harmful to the animal's health and/or to the health of the general public.
4. The animals must be maintained in a manner which does not pose a danger to the health of the animals themselves or adjacent animals.
5. The animals must not cause noise which is offensive or disturbing to a person of ordinary sensibilities on adjacent premises.
6. All animals must be vaccinated and must wear current tags at all times in accordance with this chapter.
(2) Fees for the issuance of a multi-pet permit shall be set by City Council.
(3) The Animal Control Manager may revoke the permit prior to its expiration if:
(a) The conditions at the premises are no longer reasonably adequate to maintain the number of animals allowed by the permit;
(b) The owner fails to comply with conditions, limitations, and restrictions specified in the permit; or
(c) A persistent nuisance occurs.
(4) Multi-pet permits must be renewed annually and each renewal will require inspection and approval by the Animal Control Manager.
(5) Any person either denied a multi-pet permit, or who has had their permit revoked, may file an appeal as outlined in § 90.20.
(6) Multi-pet permits are issued for specific owners of a specific property. Application for a new multi-pet permit will be required if:
(a) The original permit holder moves to a new residence within the city limits and wishes to keep more than four dogs or four cats or exceed a combined total of six such animals over the age of eight weeks on the new property; or if
(b) Ownership of the property for which a permit was originally issued changes and the new owners desire to keep more than four dogs or four cats or exceed a combined total of six such animals over the age of eight weeks.
(Ord. OR-1787-10, passed 10-11-10)