It shall be unlawful to keep or maintain any horses, mules, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, poultry (more than 4 hen chickens) or rabbits (more than 3 rabbits), or any other animals except dogs, cats or other animals kept inside a residence or place of business at all times in the City limits without first obtaining a permit from the Code Enforcement Coordinator, which permit shall be granted subject to the applicant meeting the following specifications:
(A) To maintain or keep poultry or more than three (3) rabbits, the applicant must have at least five thousand (5,000) square feet of real property for each twenty five (25) fowl or for more than three (3) and up to twenty five (25) rabbits and in no event shall the fowl or poultry or rabbit run or enclosure be less than forty feet (40') from a dwelling other than that of the applicant. The City Council may, at the request of the applicant, grant a variance from the minimum five thousand (5,000) square feet of real property requirement for the maintenance or keeping of each twenty five (25) fowl.
(B) To maintain or keep one cow, one horse, one llama, or any other similarly sized animals except dogs and cats, the applicant must have at least one acre of real property. Within that property there must be at least ten thousand (10,000) square feet of real property or pasture land devoted exclusively for the use of each animal. Fences enclosing such animals must be so constructed so as to prevent the animals from going upon the property of adjoining property owners in any manner whatsoever. Applicants not in compliance with this section prior to its amendment shall be given a period of five (5) years to come into compliance with the minimum square footage requirements. Each animal must have access to a three-sided roofed structure for purposes of shelter. The structure shall be maintained at least forty (40) feet from the house of any adjoining homeowners.
(C) To maintain one sheep, one goat, one alpaca or similarly sized animal except dogs and cats, the applicant must have at least one half acre of real property. Within that property there must be at least five thousand (5,000) square feet of real property or pasture land devoted exclusively for the use of each animal. Fences enclosing such animals must be so constructed so as to prevent the animals from going upon the property of adjoining property owners in any manner whatsoever. Applicants not in compliance with this section prior to its amendment shall be given a period of five (5) years to come into compliance with the minimum square footage requirements. Each animal must have access to a three-sided roofed structure for purposes of shelter. The structure shall be maintained at least forty (40) feet from the house of any adjoining homeowners.
(D) All premises used in accordance with this code section 6-3-4 shall be subject to approval and inspection by Code Enforcement for each new applicant. (Ord. 2408, 6-7-1993; amd. Ord. 2018-12, 4-16-2018; Ord. O-2023-017, 12-18-2023)