Colusa County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
44-4.110 Animal
Keeping.
This section applies to the keeping of animals in residential and transitional zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, A-T, U-T, MU, and RSC). The keeping and raising of animals in excess of the amount allowed by this section requires a kennel or stable permit in accordance with Article 44-2. The keeping and raising of commercial animals is allowed by right in all agricultural zones. The keeping and raising of commercial animals in agricultural zones is not subject to the requirements of this section. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part))
44-4.110.010 Household Pets.
The following standards apply to the keeping of household pets. Household pets include small domestic animals that are not used for the production of food or fiber, such as dogs and cats.
(a) The keeping of up to four small domestic household pets is allowed in all residential and transitional zones.
(b) For parcels that exceed ten thousand square feet, up to six small domestic household pets may be kept.
(c) For parcels that exceed one acre, up to eight small domestic household pets may be kept, provided that there are no more than six animals of the same species (i.e., two dogs and six cats, or four dogs and four cats are permitted).
(d) Up to eight immature animals (i.e., puppies and kittens) shall not count against the total number of animals allowed. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part))
44-4.110.020 Domestic Animal Densities.
(a) Animal Density Standards. The following density standards apply to the keeping of domestic animals in all residential and transitional zones. The keeping of domestic animals is not allowed on parcels smaller than six thousand square feet. Domestic animals may be kept in numbers not exceeding the allotment of animal density Points, as defined below, unless authorized by the zoning administrator through issuance of an administrative permit.
| MINIMUM PARCEL SIZE | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6,000 S.F. | 0.5 ACRE | 1.0 ACRE | 2.0 ACRES | 3.0 ACRES | 4.0 ACRES | 5.0 ACRES | 6.0 ACRES | EACH ADDITIONAL 1.0 ACRE | |
Animal Density Points | 4 | 7 | 10 | 24 | 38 | 52 | 66 | 80 | + 25 |
(b) Animal Density Points. Up to eight immature animals shall not count against the total number of animals allowed. Any combination of the following points may be applied:
TYPE OF ANIMAL | ANIMAL DENSITY POINTS (PER EACH ANIMAL) |
|---|---|
Beef cows and similar cattle shall count for 20 points each. | 20 |
Horses, ponies, or mules shall count for 15 points each. | 15 |
Miniature horses not exceeding 200 pounds | 10 |
Donkeys, burros, or pigs shall count for 10 points each, except that. | 10 |
Miniature donkeys, burros, or pigs not exceeding 200 pounds | 8 |
Sheep, goats, alpacas, and other similar small hoofed animals | 8 |
Roosters, geese, peacocks, and turkeys shall count for 4 points on lots greater than five acres in size. Roosters, geese, peacocks, and male turkeys are not allowed in the R-1 through R-4 zones, and are only allowed in the R-R, U-T, and A-T zones on parcels greater than five acres in size. | 4 |
Small animals, including rabbits and chinchillas | 1 |
Fowl, including ducks, chicken hens, and female turkeys | 1 |
Animal Keeping Calculations: Example 1: 4 cows (20 points x 4), 2 horses (15 points x 2), and 10 chicken hens (1 point x 10) total 120 animal density points. A minimum of 8 acres (130 animal density points) is required, as 7 acres only allows 105 animal density points. Example 2: 5 pigs (10 points x 5) total 50 animal density points. A minimum of 4 acres (52 points) is required. Example 3: 3 roosters (4 points x 3) and 10 chicken hens (1 point x 10) total 22 animal density points. A minimum of 2 acres (24 points) is required. |
(c) Temporary Educational Projects. Temporary educational projects that are conducted as part of a school project or through a recognized organization (i.e., FFA, 4-H), conducted by students through the twelfth grade under the supervisor of an adult advisor or instructor are exempt from the animal density requirements listed above. Animals that are exempt under this paragraph must belong to the resident of the parcel and may not be kept past the project or show period. In no case may the animal be kept longer than eight months. This exemption does not permit cows, horses, and similarly sized animals on parcels zoned R-1-6 or R-1-8 or on parcels that are less than one acre in size.
However, no more than a total of two medium or large domestic animals (such as cows, horses, sheep, goats, or pigs) or more than four small domestic animals (such as rabbits or chickens) over one year of age shall be kept as part of an educational project as allowed by this subsection. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part))
44-4.110.030 Fencing, Enclosure, and Sanitation.
The following standards related to fencing, enclosures, and sanitation shall be required:
(a) All animals, except household pets (domestic dogs and cats) kept outdoors shall be kept in an area which is fenced so as to prevent such animals from roaming beyond the property line.
(b) Within the fenced area, an roofed enclosure or shed shall be provided of sufficient size to provide cover for the animals kept on the parcel.
(c) No part of a roofed enclosure for one or more animals shall be located within twenty-five feet of any neighboring dwelling.
(d) Roosters, geese, and peacocks shall be kept a minimum of one hundred feet from any neighboring dwelling.
(e) Animal fecal matter in excess of that which can be safely and sanitarily utilized on the premises shall be removed and shall not be allowed to accumulate. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part))