(A) Exemptions. Unless specifically exempted by Illinois State Statutes - such as, but not limited to the Herptiles-Herps Act (510 ILCS 68/1 et seq.), Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/1 et seq.), and Criminal Code; Dangerous Animals (720 ILCS 5/48-10 (c)) - the care and keeping of exotic animals must be approved in accordance with the special use permit procedures of § 155-16.40 which shall include any and all licenses and permits required by state or federal agencies and departments.
(B) Minimum lot area.
(1) A-1, A-2, E-1 and E-2 Districts.
(a) Exotic animal rehabilitation facility; indigenous; less than 22 lbs./10 kg. - not less than 2 acres.
(b) Exotic animal rehabilitation facility; indigenous; 22 lbs./10 kg. or larger – not less than 5 acres.
(c) All other exotic animal uses – not less than 10 acres.
(2) C-6 Recreational Commercial District. Exotic animal zoological park not less than 10 acres.
(3) All other commercial and industrial districts. Not less than 0.5 acres (21,780 square feet) or district lot area requirements, whichever is greater.
(C) Minimum setbacks. All buildings, enclosures and animal run/exercise areas for exotic animals approved under paragraph (A) of this section must be set back at least 250 feet from all R-zoned lots and at least 500 feet any dwelling unit or community building such as, but not limited to, school, place of worship, or government office building. No setback is required from a dwelling unit located on the same lot as the subject animal services use.
(D) Exotic animals & wildlife prohibitions.
(1) Exotic animal: No person shall own, or keep in their custody any exotic or crossbred or hybrid exotic animals in any place other than a properly maintained zoological park, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or animal sanctuary.
(2) Wildlife domestication: No person shall keep, or permit to be kept, or domesticate any wildlife contrary to federal, state and local laws, and regulations.
(3) Indigenous wildlife: No person shall be permitted to own, harbor or keep in his or her custody any wildlife indigenous to the State of Illinois for the purpose of selling, giving or trading the animal as a pet, irrespective of holding a fur-bearing mammal permit or game breeders permit from the Illinois Department of Conservation. Fur-bearing farms are exempt from this requirement provided that the operation meets the requirement of state and county regulations.
(4) Wildlife hybrids: No person shall own or keep in their custody any domestic animal-wildlife hybrid such as coy dogs, wolf dogs, domestic cats bred to wild cats (e.g. Asian leopard cat, Geoffrey’s cat, and bobcat) or any other wild canine or feline hybrid, in any place other than a properly maintained zoological park, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory or veterinary hospital.
(Ord. 21-233, passed 7-15-2021)