A. Purpose: This section establishes regulations to allow animal keeping as an accessory use to a primary single dwelling unit for all properties which allow for the keeping of animals unless otherwise specified.
B. Allowed Number Of Animals:
1. Small Animals: Accessory small animal raising is allowed in all Residential Districts subject to the lot sizes and number of allowed animals identified in table 2-7, "Allowed Number Of Small Animals", of this section.
Town of Yucca Valley TABLE 2-7
ALLOWED NUMBER OF SMALL ANIMALS
Animal | Single Residential (RS) | Multi-Family Residential (RM) | Rural Living (RL) And Residential-Hillside Reserve (R-HR) | |
Lot Size | Maximum Number Of Animals Allowed Per Lot | |||
Animal | Single Residential (RS) | Multi-Family Residential (RM) | Rural Living (RL) And Residential-Hillside Reserve (R-HR) | |
Lot Size | Maximum Number Of Animals Allowed Per Lot | |||
Dogs/cats | Less than 7,200 sq. ft. | 2 dogs and 2 cats | Maximum 2 animals allowed (1 dog and 1 cat; 2 dogs or 2 cats). More dogs and cats require SUP | Less than 2 acres, RS standards apply |
7,200 to 10,000 sq. ft. | 3 dogs and 3 cats | |||
10,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. | 4 dogs and 4 cats | Greater than 2 acres, 1 additional dog and cat for each additional 20,000 sq. ft. lot (maximum 8 each). Over 8 each requires SUP | ||
20,000 sq. ft. and greater | 5 dogs and 5 cats | |||
Over 5 dogs and over 5 cats require special use permit (SUP) | ||||
Fowl | 20,000 sq. ft. minimum | 10 fowl for first 20,000 sq. ft. | Not allowed | 10 fowl for first 20,000 sq. ft. |
Each additional 10,000 sq. ft. | 5 additional fowl (maximum 25 total) | Each additional 10,000 sq. ft.: 5 fowl (maximum 25 total) | ||
Fowl, male | 20,000 sq. ft. minimum | 1 male fowl per 20,000 sq. ft. minimum (maximum 2) | Not allowed | 1 male fowl per 20,000 sq. ft. minimum (maximum 2) |
Potbellied pig | Less than 20,000 | 1 pig allowed in lieu of 1 dog (female or neutered male only) | Not allowed | Less than 1 acre, RS standards apply 2 per first acre; 1 each additional acre |
Rabbits | 20,000 sq. ft. minimum | 5 rabbits for first 20,000 sq. ft. | Not allowed | 5 rabbits for first 20,000 sq. ft. |
Each additional 10,000 sq. ft. | 2 rabbits (maximum 10 total) | Each additional 10,000 sq. ft.: 2 rabbits (maximum 40 total) | ||
2. Large Animals: Large animal raising for parcels not located within the large animal overlay district is allowed in single- family residential districts subject to the lot sizes and number of allowed animals identified in table 2-8 of this section (allowed number of large animals not within large animal overlay district) and section 9.21.030, table 2-26, "Allowed Number Of Large Animals Within Large Animal Overlay District", of this article 2. See chapter 9.21, "Large Animal Overlay District", of this article 2 for allowed large animal types and large animal densities for properties located within the large animal overlay district.
TABLE 2-8
ALLOWED NUMBER OF LARGE ANIMALS IN
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
NOT WITHIN LARGE ANIMAL OVERLAY DISTRICT
Animal Type | Minimum Lot Size | Maximum Number Of Animals1 |
Animal Type | Minimum Lot Size | Maximum Number Of Animals1 |
Cattle1 | 20,000 sq. ft. with 60 ft. minimum lot frontage | 1 per 10,000 sq. ft. (maximum 9) |
Emus and ostriches1 | 1 acre minimum lot size in RL and R-HR districts | 2 pair (male and female) per acre or (1 male and 3 females). Maximum 4 on first acre. 2 additional for every 10,000 sq. ft. after first acre. Maximum 9. Over 9 requires livestock permit |
Equine1 | 20,000 sq. ft. | 1 per 10,000 sq. ft. (maximum 9) |
Goat, female1 | 7,200 sq. ft. | 1 per 5,000 sq. ft. |
Goat, male1 | 20,000 sq. ft. | 1 per lot |
Llamas and camelids1 | 20,000 sq. ft. | 1 per 10,000 sq. ft. (maximum 9) |
Sheep1 | 7,200 sq. ft. | 1 per lot |
Note:
1. The cumulative total of all large animals allowed is 9 per lot. More than a cumulative total of 9 large animals shall be subject to a special use permit, see chapter 9.69 of this title.
3. Animals Not Classified: Any animal not specifically classified within this section shall be classified by the director based upon a determination of what it is most similar to and as to the probable impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the community and the neighborhood.
4. Single-Family Residences On Multi-Family Property: Single- family residences located on property designated as multi-family shall be subject to the RS standards.
C. Accessory Animal Raising: Accessory animal raising of densities greater than, or of animal types different from, those specified in tables 2-7 and 2-8 of this section, and section 9.21.030, table 2-26 of this article 2, shall be subject to approval of a special use permit.
1. Newborn Animal Exception: Offspring of allowed adult animals shall not be counted in determining the number of adult animals on a given parcel, if such offspring do not exceed the age limitations for accessory animal keeping as identified in table 2-9, "Newborn Animal Exception", of this section.
TABLE 2-9
NEWBORN ANIMAL EXCEPTION
Animal | Minimum Time Limit |
Animal | Minimum Time Limit |
Bovine | 6 calendar months (300 lb. maximum) |
Buffalo | 6 calendar months |
Dogs/cats | 4 calendar months |
Emu/ostriches | 12 calendar months |
Equine | 12 calendar months |
Goats | 2 calendar months |
Llama/camelid | 12 calendar months |
Sheep | 2 calendar months |
Swine | 2 calendar months |
a. Offspring of nonallowed adult animals shall be counted as adult animals, notwithstanding their age at any particular time.
b. The total number of offspring shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the number of adult animals maintained on the parcel(s) unless authorized by approval of a discretionary livestock permit except for offspring of dogs and cats.
c. Bovine offspring up to three hundred (300) pounds or six (6) months old, may be substituted for equine offspring in all single-family residential land use districts where large animal keeping is allowed.
D. Confined Animals: Animals which are normally maintained in aquariums, terrariums, birdcages or similar devices, each of which does not exceed fifty (50) cubic feet and where such devices are maintained within an enclosed building, shall be allowed as an accessory animal raising use. The maximum number or density limitations for these animal types shall comply with public health regulations.
E. Combination Of Animals: Combination of the animal types are allowed, provided:
1. The total number in each category is not exceeded.
2. Where a density ratio of animals per lot area is specified, the lot area or portion thereof shall be allocated only once to accessory animal raising use. Lot area used to qualify one animal type shall not be reused to allow another animal type.
3. Animal types which are limited only by a maximum number per lot are allowed in addition to any other accessory animal raising use.
4. For the purpose of this section, lots with attached multi- family residential structures shall be limited to those animals allowed on lots less than seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet.
5. All animal raising land uses shall comply with public health laws regarding proper care and maximum number of animals.
6. Each animal raising land use includes all structures necessary to maintain and care for such animals (i.e., barn, corral, stable, pens and coops). Such structures shall comply with all development standards including those specified by the land use district and this section.
F. Animal Separation:
1. Setbacks: Animal setback requirements are identified in table 2-10, "Animal Setback Requirements", of this section.
TABLE 2-10
ANIMAL SETBACK REQUIREMENTS
Setback Requirements | Equine, Fowl, Emus, And Ostrich | Cattle, Buffalo, Sheep, Goats, Llamas, Pigs, And Camelids |
Setback Requirements | Equine, Fowl, Emus, And Ostrich | Cattle, Buffalo, Sheep, Goats, Llamas, Pigs, And Camelids |
From nearest livable dwelling or buildable setback line of adjoining property | 70 ft. | 100 ft. |
From nearest livable dwelling or buildable setback line of adjoining property within the large animal overlay district, which do not have property lines contiguous to the boundaries of the large animal overlay district | 45 ft. | 45 ft. |
Front property line | 10 ft. | 10 ft. |
Rear property line, if adjacent to other privately held property | 10 ft. | 10 ft. |
Rear property line, if alleyway or dedicated flood control right of way | 0 ft. | 0 ft. |
Side property lines | 5 ft. | 5 ft. |
Street side setbacks shall be pursuant to section 9.07.050 of this article 2 | ||
2. Fencing, Shelters, And Enclosures: Animal fencing, shelter, and enclosure requirements are identified in table 2-11, "Fencing And Shelter Requirements", of this section and the following subsections:
TABLE 2-11
FENCING AND SHELTER REQUIREMENTS
Animal | Fencing Requirements | Shelter Requirements |
Cattle/buffalo | Each individual cattle/buffalo shall be kept on private property and provided with a minimum of 400 square feet in a fenced area. Fencing shall be adequate to maintain cattle and buffalo | All cattle/buffalo shall be provided with adequate shelter to protect them from the elements |
Equine | All equine shall be maintained in a fenced area at all times | All equine shall be provided with adequate shelter to protect them from the elements |
Goats | Fencing shall be adequate to maintain goats | All goats shall be provided with adequate shelter to protect them from the elements |
Pigs | Pigs shall be maintained in a fenced area at all times. Fencing shall be adequate to maintain the animal on the property at all times | Adequate cooling systems shall be required for the keeping of pigs, in addition to providing shelter from the elements |
a. Animal Enclosures: Animals shall be maintained by a fence at least five feet (5') high and made of either pipe corrals, chainlink, wood with horizontal members no less than six inches (6") apart, solid masonry or other appropriate screening and confining materials. Such a fence may be located on an interior side or rear lot line and fifteen feet (15') from a side street right of way.
(1) No barbed wire fencing shall be allowed within the incorporated town boundaries that is specific to livestock keeping pursuant to these regulations.
(2) Fences which are adjoining and running parallel to private or public streets or bridle trails shall be a minimum of five feet (5') in height with posts spaced not more than ten feet (10') apart.
(3) Animals shall be properly caged or housed in their corrals, barns, pens or other enclosures. All corrals, pens, coops, lofts, exercise areas or similar structures shall be fenced or otherwise enclosed to adequately confine the animal(s).
b. Distance From Water Well: All animals shall be kept no closer than one hundred feet (100') from domestic water well.
G. Animal And Premises Maintenance: The occupant of the premises on which any livestock is kept shall keep and maintain the animal(s) and premises in such a manner as not to be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of any person on any adjoining property or of the general public, nor be materially detrimental to the use, enjoyment or value of property of other persons in the vicinity of the premises. Such maintenance shall be at least sufficient to keep dust, odors and flies from having an adverse effect on any other property. The following techniques are recommended to meet the maintenance standard specified by this section and shall be utilized if no other alternative techniques sufficient to meet that standard are utilized.
1. Sprinkler system or other control methods adequate to control dust in corrals, turnout areas, and riding rings shall be installed and utilized as necessary on the premises.
2. Lime, sand or other appropriate materials shall be utilized on the premises to eliminate odor problems.
3. Chemical spray and/or bait and other approved measures to control flies shall be utilized as frequently as necessary for vector control.
4. Livestock keeping areas shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.
5. Standing surface water, refuse and manure shall not be permitted to accumulate in piles that are not able to dry out. In all cases of livestock keeping, manure shall be spread to dry daily and shall not be allowed to accumulate to create a nuisance to surrounding properties.
6. Other sections of this chapter notwithstanding, no person shall keep or permit to remain on any premises within the town any animal that habitually disturbs the peace and quiet of the inhabitant of a neighborhood by howling, barking, crying, baying, or making other noise.
7. Buildings housing farm animals, all animal enclosures, and all pasture areas shall be maintained free from litter, garbage and the accumulation of weeds or manure. Premises shall be maintained in a neat and sanitary manner. All animal raising shall comply with public health laws regarding proper care of animals. If animals are not maintained in compliance with these standards or are otherwise allowed to become a nuisance, the town shall initiate enforcement proceedings.
H. Commercial Animal Keeping: Commercial animal keeping for equine and other large animals is permitted within all single- family residential land use districts subject to the standards and provisions as identified in this development code. Commercial uses include, but shall not be limited to, boarding, training, breeding and other similar uses related to the keeping of equine and other large animals which do not belong to the property owner or lessee and for those similar uses which generate additional traffic, noise and similar or associated impacts within the vicinity of the proposed site.
1. Density: The densities established for commercial animal keeping shall be the same as those densities for those single- family residential land use districts located within the large animal overlay district map, as accessory to the residential use.
2. Minimum Parcel Size: One acre is established as the minimum parcel size for the commercial keeping of large animals, except for buffalo, bulls and boars. A minimum of five (5) acres is required for the keeping of buffalo, bulls and boars.
I. Required Permits: Prior to the establishment of any commercial livestock keeping activity, the property owner or lessee shall first obtain a special use permit from the town.
J. Animals Not Classified: Any animal not specifically classified within this chapter shall be classified by the director based upon a determination of what it is most similar to and as to the probable impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the community and the neighborhood. (Ord. 253, 12-16-2014)