It is unlawful to keep livestock within the City except by permit issued by the City under the terms and conditions set forth in this chapter.
A. Number Of Animals Allowed: Property owners are allowed the following maximum number of animals per one acre of fenced, irrigated pasture land:
Animal | Maximum Number Per 1 Acre |
Cows or similar | 2 |
Goats or sheep | 4 |
Horses or similar | 2 |
Llamas or similar | 2 |
The number of animals allowed per one acre of fenced irrigated pasture land is based upon the size and characteristics of the animal. The animal control officer or designee shall determine the equivalent number of animals allowed for animals not listed in the above table, including miniature forms of large animals, and shall take into consideration the purpose of this section and the impacts to adjacent properties in making a determination.
In instances where a mixed livestock density is desired, the number of types of animals desired shall be divided into the maximum number allowed. For instance, an individual who has one acre of fenced, irrigated pasture land wants to have sheep, and cows which is two (2) different types of animals. The maximum number of sheep allowed is four (4). Four (4) divided by two (2) equals two (2). The maximum number of cows allowed is two (2). Two (2) divided by two (2) is one. Therefore, the individual could have, as livestock, a combined total of two (2) sheep, and one cow on one acre of land.
Maximum density shall not apply to offspring under nine (9) months of age.
B. Permit Requirements: Any person desiring to keep livestock may make application to the City and shall supply proof that the applicant and premises comply with the following requirements, as well as certifying that he or she will comply with all the following conditions for maintaining the livestock. The animal control officer may deny a permit if the applicant has a record of failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter. Additionally, the animal control officer may revoke any permit for failure to comply with any of the conditions or restrictions of the permit. Appeal of the denial or revocation may be made in writing to the City Council.
1. The applicant will submit a site plan that will include property lines, existing structures and buildings and the location and size of the proposed cage or pen. (The area and materials used must be in compliance with standards set by the animal control officer or authorized designee, based on the size and nature of the animal.)
2. The applicant will identify the animal to be kept on premises, to include species, age, tag or brand if any, and general physical description of each individual animal, such that the animal can be positively identified.
3. The minimum area required for each permit shall be one acre, of which seventy five percent (75%) shall be irrigated "pastureland" with full vegetative cover watered regularly so as to be kept in a healthy, green, and growing condition.
4. An applicant must make and demonstrate adequate provisions to keep livestock at least thirty feet (30') from any residential dwelling on any adjacent parcel of land, regardless of ownership of the land.
5. Any animal shelter or feeding facility shall be located at least fifty feet (50') from any residential dwelling located on the property and at least fifty feet (50') from any residential dwelling located on any parcel of land adjacent to the parcel on which the livestock are kept.
6. A permittee shall at all times maintain the acreage on which livestock are kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
7. A permittee shall at all times maintain any shelter or feeding facility for the livestock in a clean and sanitary condition.
8. A permittee is prohibited from maintaining the acreage as a commercial feedlot to prepare livestock for market.
9. No permit may be transferred to any other person or location.
C. Fees: The initial fee for each livestock permit shall be set by resolution of the City Council. Thereafter, the permittee must pay an annual renewal fee as set by resolution of the City Council for each permit, accompanied by written notice of any change in number of livestock or amount of acreage. The animal control officer or the designee may perform inspections to verify the information provided, and deny any permit renewal for failure to comply with this chapter.
D. Exception: Any person may apply to the Planning and Zoning Commission through a conditional use permit for an exception to the strict terms of the livestock permit requirements. The commission may grant or deny the request. If it is determined that an exception may be granted, the commission may impose additional conditions upon a permittee, including, but not limited to, types of enclosure, number of animals, size of the parcel, standards of upkeep, proof of consent of seventy five percent (75%) of the neighbors living within one hundred feet (100') of the boundaries of the permit area, size of animals, accommodations for animals or other reasonable requirements.
E. Transfer Of Permit Prohibited: No livestock permit may be transferred to any other person or location. (Ord. 1451, 2018)