Chapter 6.20
KEEPING OF ANIMALS
Sections:
6.20.050 Performance criteria.
6.20.060 Compliance—Violations—Appeals.
6.20.010 Keeping of animals.
The keeping of small animals, hens, ducks and bees outdoors is permitted outright in all zones as an accessory use to any principal use permitted outright or to a permitted conditional use, in each case subject to the standards of this chapter. This chapter shall not apply to the keeping of common household pets (dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles) or other pets that are primarily kept indoors. (Ord. 1980-21 § 4 (Exh. C), 2021; Ord. 1697-11 § 2 (part), 2011)
6.20.020 Small animals.
Up to three small animals (guinea pigs, rabbits and other similar, nonhoofed small animals kept outdoors) may be kept accessory to each dwelling unit on a lot, except as follows:
A. Up to four small animals are permitted on lots in single-family zones of at least twenty thousand square feet;
B. One additional small animal is permitted for each five thousand square feet of lot area in excess of twenty thousand square feet in single-family zones;
C. Nursing offspring may be kept until weaned, no longer than twelve weeks from birth, without violating the limitations of this section. (Ord. 1980-21 § 4 (Exh. C), 2021; Ord. 1697-11 § 2 (part), 2011)
6.20.030 Hens and ducks.
Up to three hens or three ducks may be kept on any lot in addition to the small animals permitted in Section 6.20.020. For each one thousand square feet of lot area in excess of the minimum lot area required for the zone or, if there is no minimum lot area, for each one thousand square feet of lot area in excess of five thousand square feet, one additional hen or duck may be kept. The keeping of roosters is prohibited. (Ord. 1980-21 § 4 (Exh. C), 2021; Ord. 1697-11 § 2 (part), 2011)
6.20.040 Beekeeping.
Beekeeping is permitted outright as an accessory use, when registered with the State Department of Agriculture; provided, that:
A. No more than two hives, each with only one swarm, shall be kept on lots of less than ten thousand square feet.
B. Hives shall not be located within twenty-five feet of any lot line except:
1. When situated eight feet or more above the grade immediately adjacent to the grade of the lot on which the hives are located; or
2. When situated less than eight feet above the adjacent existing lot grade, the hives must be kept behind a solid fence or hedge six feet high parallel to any property line within twenty-five feet of a hive and extending at least twenty feet beyond the hive in both directions; or
3. When situated less than eight feet above the adjacent existing lot grade, the hives must be enclosed by a solid fence six feet high so as to force the bee to enter and exit the hive area at a height that will not interfere with the passers-by. (Ord. 1980-21 § 4 (Exh. C), 2021; Ord. 1697-11 § 2 (part), 2011)
6.20.050 Performance criteria.
The keeping of animals regulated by this chapter is allowed; provided, all of the following criteria are met:
A. A contiguous fenced area shall be available for domestic fowl.
B. Sheds, shelters or pens shall not be closer than twenty-five feet to the front property line and ten feet from side and rear property lines.
C. Sheds or shelters shall be kept free from rodents and shall be bedded as necessary with a fresh covering of straw, wood shavings or corn cobs.
D. Feed shall be kept in a rodent proof container and spillage and leftovers from feedings shall be removed and disposed of to prevent flies, rodents, and odors.
E. In order to prevent insect and odor problems, manure must be collected on a regular basis at least once per week and placed in concrete or metal fly-proof containers. Manure must be removed from the premises at least once a week or spread as fertilizer upon cultivated ground or lawns unless the city determines that use as fertilizer causes insect or odor problems.
F. Pen fences, corral fences or similar enclosures must be of sufficient height and strength to retain animals.
G. The keeping of animals shall conform to all regulations of local and state health authorities.
H. The area shall be landscaped to harmonize with the surrounding semi-rural residential character.
I. Animals shall not be kept within fifty feet of any stream or water body, wetland, or environmentally sensitive area, and fencing shall be provided to prohibit animal access to these areas.
J. Sanitary surfacing, such as wood chips, sand or gravel shall be placed on wet or muddy portions of the property used by animals.
K. Upon reasonable request, properties housing animals shall be subject to inspection by the city or other local and state health authorities. (Ord. 1980-21 § 4 (Exh. C), 2021; Ord. 1697-11 § 2 (part), 2011)
6.20.060 Compliance—Violations—Appeals.
Nothing in this chapter excuses compliance with other titles and chapters of the Sedro-Woolley Municipal Code including but not limited to Chapters 8.16 and 15.04, which address conditions that create nuisances and maintenance requirements. In addition to the enforcement provisions in Chapters 8.16 and 15.04, and upon a finding by either the city’s enforcement officer or building official that animals are contributing to violations under either of those chapters, either the city’s enforcement officer or building official shall have the authority to order the property owner to reduce or eliminate the number of animals kept on that property. Appeals of such an order shall be filed and processed in accordance with Section 18.15.040. (Ord. 1980-21 § 4 (Exh. C), 2021; Ord. 1697-11 § 2 (part), 2011)