(A) A person may keep or harbor more than three cats on any lot, premises, dwelling, building, structure, boat or living accommodation if a special permit is obtained; provided, that the intent of the special permit application is to allow responsible pet owners to keep or harbor more than three cats if adequate conditions exist in which the animals will not cause damage, hazard, nuisance or be a detriment to any persons or property.
(B) Any person desiring to keep or harbor more then three cats shall submit a written application for a special permit to the humane officer. The special permit application shall include a diagram of the interior of the structure wherein the cats will be housed, the layout and nature of the cages or other devices to be used for maintaining control of the cats, a description of how the structure will be heated, air conditioned and ventilated, and a demonstration that the applicant possesses the means and ability to properly care for the cats.
(C) A humane officer may grant a special permit if the following conditions are met:
(1) There is sufficient space, means of ventilation, heating and air conditioning within the structure wherein the cats will be housed to provide for the proper care of the cats; and
(2) All of the cats shall be kept indoors at all times and not permitted to roam freely outside the structure where housed;
(3) The applicant demonstrates the means and ability to properly care for the cats; and
(4) The shelter provided for each cat at a minimum satisfies the requirements established by the humane association.
(D) Applicants shall not be eligible for a special permit if they are known in the neighborhood or community for causing disruptions related to cats.
(E) Special permits are nontransferable. A change in the number of cats, or changes in the residence or ownership of the cats shall require a new special permit.
(F) The fee for a special permit shall be $50.
(G) A previously approved special permit may be rejected or revoked at any time if the humane officer determines the issuance of a special permit has caused damage, hazard, nuisance, dangerous conditions, or is a detriment to any person or property.
(H) Any person aggrieved by the denial or granting of a special permit shall have the right to appeal to the City Council.
(Ord. 12-7, passed 10-16-2012)