§ 15-2707. ANIMAL KEEPING.

Animal keeping is allowed as an accessory use to a primary residential use. Animals may be kept in compliance with the following standards. Enforcement of this section is the duty of the Poundmaster (FMC 10-302). Other regulations related to animals are located under FMC 10-200 et seq. and FMC-300 et seq.

A.

Pre-Existing Uses. Any legally established non-conforming animal keeping use shall be allowed to continue however animals may not be replaced after they are removed from the home and/or are deceased.

B.

Lots of 36,000 Square Feet or Less in Residential Districts. Household Pets are permitted subject to the following.

1.

Permitted Household Pets. Household Pets such as domestic dogs, cats, birds, etc., that are ordinarily permitted inside of a dwelling and kept only for the company and pleasure provided to the occupants shall be permitted. Owners must ensure that the keeping of permitted animals shall not create a health or nuisance problem.

a.

Cats or Dogs. At no time shall the number of cats or dogs exceed a total of four animals in any combination over the age of four months.

b.

Aviaries (Raising for Non-Commercial Purposes). Not to exceed 24 animals.

c.

Falcons. Permitted with a valid falconry license issued by the California Department of Fish and Game.

d.

Small Household Pets (Domesticated Rodents Such as Hamsters and Cavy, Nonpoisonous Amphibians, Nonpoisonous Reptiles Such as Turtles). Any combination not to exceed 10.

e.

Fish. Unlimited (for non-commercial purposes).

2.

Prohibited Pets. Household Pets shall not include horses, miniature horses (except as a guide animal), cows, goats, sheep or other equine, bovine, ovine or ruminant animals, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, game birds, or fowl that normally constitute an agricultural use.

a.

Fish Farms. Not permitted.

b.

Bee Keeping. Not permitted.

C.

Lots Greater than 36,000 Square Feet in Residential Districts. In addition to Household Pets, the following are permitted:

1.

Permitted Pets. The keeping of horses, cows, goats, sheep or other equine, bovine, ovine or ruminant animals is permitted, as are those identified in Subsection B above.

a.

Cats or Dogs. At no time shall the number of cats or dogs exceed a total of six animals in any combination, over the age of four months.

b.

Aviaries (Including Aviaries for Commercial Purposes). Not to exceed 75 animals.

c.

Large Animals. Up to two animals per acre; however their immature off-spring less than one year of age is also permitted. Pigs are not permitted.

d.

Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, Game Birds, or Fowl. Total number shall not exceed 12 birds per gross acre.

2.

Fish Farms. Not permitted.

3.

Bee Keeping. Not permitted.

4.

Setbacks. All animals other than household pets shall be housed or penned at a minimum distance of 40 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighboring residences (e.g. residential structure). All areas and structures used in conjunction with the keeping of animals other than household pets shall be maintained and cleaned so as not to present a public hazard or nuisance.

D.

Buffer Districts.

1.

Household and Other Pets. As permitted pursuant to Subsections B and C based on lot size.

2.

Large Animals. For parcels greater than one acre, Large Animals shall not exceed two animals per acre; however their immature off-spring less than one year of age is also permitted. Pigs are not permitted.

3.

Bee Keeping. Limited to Apis Mellifera and a maximum ratio of one hive per two acres. A fresh water source must be provided within 20 feet of all hives and a sustaining food source must be provided on the property. Each hive must be located at least 50 feet from property lines. Beehives shall be properly maintained according to apiary standards administered by the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner. Discovery of aggressive or "Africanized" beehives shall cause the immediately removal of the hives by the operator/owner.

E.

Annexation Overlay Districts. See Section 15-1606.

F.

Residential in Non-Residential Districts. Household pets are permitted pursuant to Subsection B.

G.

No wild animals, roosters, endangered, exotic, or protected animals are allowed to be kept or raised within the city, except within an accredited zoological park.

H.

The offspring of any permitted animal may be kept until weaned.

(Added Ord. 2015-39, § 1, eff. 1-9-16; Am. Ord. 2016-32, § 25, eff. 10-21-16).