4-4-010 ANIMAL KEEPING AND BEEKEEPING STANDARDS:
A. PURPOSE AND INTENT:
The regulations in this Section set standards intended to require that the keeping of animals occurs in a humane and appropriate manner that benefits the animals and allows animals to coexist harmoniously with adjacent and abutting uses.
B. APPLICABILITY:
The keeping of animals shall be consistent with the standards in this Section, RMC 1-3-3, Nuisances, and RMC 8-7-3, Public Disturbance, Noises. The keeping, retail sale, breeding, service, or care of household pets and/or domestic animals by an owner/tenant for the purpose of enjoyment or profit is subject to the requirements of this Section.
C. EXCEPTION:
Occasional breeders are permitted to keep a greater number of animals than allowed on a temporary basis, not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days, when those animals are less than one hundred twenty (120) days old. No Additional Animals Permit is required, but a Home Occupation Business License is required.
D. NUISANCE AND DISTURBANCE PROHIBITED:
Household pets, domestic animals, and/or bees must not become a nuisance (RMC 1-3-3) or create a public disturbance (RMC 8-7-3).
E. PROHIBITED ANIMALS:
The keeping of animals that are wild or dangerous is not permitted pursuant to chapter 6-6 RMC. Additionally, the City prohibits the keeping of roosters or peahens/peacocks.
F. AUTHORITY:
Interpretation regarding responsibility will be determined administratively; responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of this Section shall be as follows:
1. Animal Control Officer: All those matters related to care, maintenance, and individual licensing.
2. Community and Economic Development Department: All those matters concerning land use and zoning.
G. NUMBER OF ANIMALS ALLOWED:
1. Applicability: Restrictions on the number of animals allowed is applicable to residential and commercial uses where the keeping or care of animals is accessory to the primary use.
2. Lot Size Minimums and Maximum Number of Animals Generally Permitted: The allowable numbers of animals permitted, provided the minimum lot size is met, are detailed in the following table. The specified minimum lot sizes are absolute requirements, unless (a) an Additional Animals Permit is granted pursuant to RMC 4-9-100, or (b) the number and type of animals was established legally under previous regulations and the ownership of the property has not changed. The keeping of animals that require lesser lot size is allowed to be cumulative, when lot size requirements have been met. For example, on a twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) square foot lot, the keeping of two (2) medium lot domestic animals, six (6) small lot domestic animals, and three (3) household pets is permitted outright.
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Type of Animal |
Maximum Number of Animals Generally Permitted |
|---|---|
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Household Pets includes: dogs, cats, caged indoor birds and small rodents. Non-venomous reptiles and amphibians weighing less than 10 pounds are also included. |
3* per dwelling or commercial building; no minimum lot size. A pet license is required from the City Finance Department for each cat or dog. |
|
Small Lot Domestic Animals includes: chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons and rabbits. |
3 on lots that are at least 4,500 gross sq. ft. in size. On lots that are larger than 4,500 gross sq. ft., 1 additional small lot domestic animal may be kept per additional 1,000 gross sq. ft. |
|
Medium Lot Domestic Animals includes: miniature goats that are smaller than 24 inches at the shoulder and/or not more than 150 pounds in weight, and sheep. |
2 on lots that are at least 12,500 gross sq. ft. in size. On lots that are greater than 12,500 gross sq. ft., 1 additional medium lot domestic animal may be kept per additional 7,500 gross sq. ft. |
|
Large Lot Domestic Animals includes: goats and pigs. Extra-Large Lot Domestic Animals includes: horses, donkeys, cows and llamas. |
2 on lots that are at least 1 gross acre in size. On lots that are larger than 1 gross acre, 1 additional large lot domestic animal may be kept per additional 43,560 sq. ft. |
*Includes foster animals
3. Permit Required for More than Three (3) Dogs and/or Cats: Regardless of additional lot size, the keeping of four (4) or more dogs and/or cats as an accessory use shall always require an Additional Animals Permit (RMC 4-9-100).
H. KEEPING GREATER NUMBER OF ANIMALS THAN GENERALLY PERMITTED:
1. Permitted with an Additional Animals Permit (RMC 4-9-100): Greater numbers of animals than permitted in subsection G2 of this Section may be allowed. The minimum lot size for extra-large animals must be met. Keeping greater numbers of animals without the minimum lot size may be permitted for small, medium, and large lot animals, subject to an Additional Animals Permit (RMC 4-9-100).
2. Minimum Lot Size Needed to Apply for an Additional Animals Permit for Extra-Large Lot Domestic Animals: Horses, donkeys, cows and llamas are considered extra-large lot domestic animals. The minimum lot size required to apply for an Additional Animals Permit for extra-large lot animals is twenty thousand (20,000) square feet devoted only to these animals.
I. HOME OCCUPATIONS:
The keeping of household pets or domestic animals for any for-profit venture within a residence or property thereon, including sales of animal-related products, shall comply with the requirements of RMC 4-9-090, Home Occupations. Keeping animals for commercial purposes that exceed the standards of a home occupation accessory use requires approval pursuant to RMC 4-2-060, Zoning Table – Uses Allowed in Zoning Designations. (Ord. 6126, 12-11-2023)
J. GENERAL STANDARDS FOR KEEPING ANIMALS:
The keeping of animals shall be consistent with the following standards:
1. Shelter Location and Setbacks: Shelters, pens, and permanent/temporary kennel structures shall be located in the rear yard and a minimum of ten feet (10') from any property line. The Department may grant an exemption from this rear yard requirement if the owner/tenant can provide sufficient information that a side yard would be a better location.
2. Barn and Stable Location and Setbacks: Private barns and stables shall be located in the rear yard and a minimum of fifty feet (50') from any property line. On lots that are larger than one gross acre in size, exercising, training, and/or riding areas may be located closer than fifty feet (50') from a property line if the exercising, training, and/or riding areas are no closer than one hundred feet (100') to any dwelling unit and the location is approved, in writing, by the Department. Barns and stables may not be located in attached garages or carports.
3. Fencing Required: Dog runs, open-run areas, and permanent/temporary kennel structures shall be surrounded by a fence of adequate height (as to preclude escape). RMC 4-4-040, Fences, Hedges and Retaining Walls, lists the City’s standards for residential and commercial fences.
4. Health and Safety: All animals shall be kept in such a manner so as not to create any objectionable noise, odor, annoyance, or become a public nuisance. Provision shall be made to ensure that animal food stored outdoors will not attract rodents, insects, or other animals. Refrigeration shall be provided for the protection of perishable foods.
5. Animal Waste and Food Waste: All shelter structures, confinement areas, and/or open-run areas shall be kept clean. Any outdoor areas used for animal containment or exercise shall be maintained by removing animal waste on a daily basis for proper disposal as solid waste. Any runoff, wash-down water, or waste from any animal pen, kennel, containment, or exercise area shall be collected and disposed of in a sanitary sewer after straining of solids and hair, and shall not be allowed to enter the stormwater drainage or surface water disposal system. Strained solids and hair shall be properly disposed of as solid waste. Any storage of animal waste must not constitute a nuisance as defined in chapter 1-3 RMC.
K. ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR KENNELS AND PET DAY CARE FACILITIES:
Kennels and pet day care facilities require a permit from the Seattle-King County Health Department, and shall be consistent with the following standards:
1. General care of pets must be confined to the inside of building and under supervision. Pets are only permitted to be walked or exercised outside of the building under supervision and in accordance with all other applicable ordinances and laws;
2. Businesses operating solely as a pet day care shall limit their hours of operation (i.e., business hours) between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
3. The maximum number of dogs is limited to one per fifteen (15) square feet of net floor dedicated for animal supervision. The planned maximum number of animals to be sheltered shall be indicated on the Business License application;
4. Outdoor runs/yards may operate only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
5. Any indoor or outdoor areas used for animal containment or exercise shall be maintained by removing animal waste on a daily basis for proper disposal as solid waste. Any runoff, wash-down water, or waste from any animal pen, kennel, containment, or exercise area shall be collected and disposed of in the sanitary sewer after straining of solids and hair and shall not be allowed to enter the stormwater drainage or surface water disposal system; strained solids and hair shall be properly disposed of as solid waste; and
If a notice of violation pursuant to chapter 8-7 RMC is issued for noise, the Administrator may require a report from an acoustical consultant that describes potential measures to be taken to prevent or mitigate noise impacts. The Administrator may require measures, including but not limited to: development or modification of operating procedures; cessation of the use of outdoor area(s); closure of windows and doors; reduction in hours of operation; and use of sound attenuating materials such as insulation and noise baffles. The Administrator may order the business to be closed on a temporary or permanent basis.
L. RESERVED.
M. ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR BEEKEEPING:
1. Maximum Number of Hives Generally Permitted: A maximum of three (3) hives are generally permitted and one additional hive may be kept for every additional ten thousand (10,000) gross square feet of lot size. The keeping of bees is allowed to be cumulative with the keeping of animals.
2. Minimum Lot Sizes for Beekeeping:
a. Seven thousand five hundred (7,500) gross square feet.
b. Four thousand five hundred (4,500) gross square feet if either of the following conditions are met:
i. Hives are kept at least eight feet (8') above or below the grade of abutting properties; or
ii. Hives are kept behind a minimum six foot (6') tall hedge or solid fence that runs parallel to any property line within twenty five feet (25') of a hive.
3. Beekeeping Requirements:
a. Hives shall be located in rear yards, side yards, or on rooftops.
b. Hives shall be located a minimum of twenty five feet (25') from an interior lot line, with each hive’s entrance facing away from the nearest property line.
c. Each hive shall only contain one swarm.
d. Hives shall be maintained to avoid overpopulation and minimize swarming, for example by requeening regularly, so as not to become a nuisance.
e. Hives shall be marked or identified to notify visitors.
f. A source of fresh water (such as a fountain) located within ten feet (10') from the hives shall be provided.
N. REVIEW CRITERIA FOR ADDITIONAL ANIMALS PERMITS:
Special review criteria to be considered for Additional Animals Permits are included in RMC 4-9-100. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012)
O. REVIEW CRITERIA FOR KENNELS AND STABLES:
For kennels, commercial equine boarding, riding schools, and stables the conditional use criteria of RMC 4-9-030 shall be applicable.
P. NONCONFORMING ANIMALS:
See RMC 4-10-070.
Q. MODIFICATIONS:
The Administrator shall have the authority to modify the standards of this Section, subject to the provisions of RMC 4-9-250D, Modification Procedures.
(Ord. 3927, 7-15-1985; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 4999, 1-13-2003; Ord. 5305, 9-17-2007; Ord. 5356, 2-25-2008; Ord. 5470, 7-13-2009; Ord. 5578, 11-15-2010; Ord. 5603, 6-6-2011; Ord. 5640, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5837, 6-12-2017; Ord. 5981, 10-12-2020)