Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.310 Animal Keeping

Section 17C.310.115 Keeping of Small Domestic Animals

1. Where Permitted.

The keeping of small domestic animals is permitted outright in the RA, R1, R2, RMF, and RHD zones and any zone that permits dwelling units. The definition of small domestic animal is stated in chapter 17A.020.040 AI 2 SMC, Definitions.

2. Standards Applicable to Keeping of Small Domestic Animals

1. 1. The following ratios of area to animals apply:

1. 1. 1. Small Domestic Animals

1. 1. 1. 1. One animal or fowl, other than small livestock, per one thousand square feet of lot area.

1. 1. 1. 2. One small livestock per two thousand five hundred square feet of lot area. The calculation of the number of small domestic animals shall be cumulative and the aggregate of total number of small domestic animals shall not exceed the number permitted in this section. For example, a ten thousand square foot lot may be permitted for ten chickens (ten times one thousand) or four miniature goats (four times two thousand five hundred) but not both.

1. 2. Owners of small domestic animals, including small livestock as defined in SMC 17A.020.040(AI)(2)(c) but excluding chickens, shall obtain animal keeping certification from Washington State University prior to keeping the animal demonstrating that the owner has completed training relating to the safe and proper care of a small domestic animal, including, but not limited to:

1. 1. 1. appropriate shelter, food, and veterinarian care (including rabies and other vaccinations when appropriate),

1. 1. 2. breeding,

1. 1. 3. animal waste disposal and potential hazards related to the use of domestic animal and livestock waste in composting,

1. 1. 4. potential sources of zoonotic and enteric diseases, routes of transmission, and methods of preventing human illness diseases, and

1. 1. 5.  noise and odor control.

Owners of small domestic animals whose ownership pre-date the requirement of the certification shall have six months from the effective date of this section to obtain the certification. The certification shall be specific to the species of small domestic animal. Maintaining the animal under conditions that do not satisfy the standards set forth in the certification shall be a violation of this subsection and may require the owner to complete additional training through WSU as a condition to maintaining the certification.

1. 3. Roosters and peacocks are only allowed in RA zone within the City.

1. 4. Male small livestock must be de-scented and/or neutered using humane standards.

1. 5. Animal Enclosure.

An animal enclosure in a zone other than RA shall only be allowed to be constructed on a lot that contains a primary residential structure or on an adjacent lot when the two lots are occupied by the same owner or tenant. Animal enclosures must follow the development standards for accessory structures in residential zones as stated in SMC 17C.111.240, Accessory Structures.

1. 6. Animal Enclosure Setbacks.

A structure or enclosure for animals or fowl shall meet the setback requirements for accessory structures. A side yard waiver may be used to reduce the side yard setback for covered accessory structures.

1. 7. The owner or keeper of a small livestock shall keep the animal in secure a structure, enclosure or fenced lot or otherwise control the animal with an appropriate harness or retraining device capable of safely controlling the animal.

1. 8. The slaughter and processing of such an animal is subject to all city, state and federal regulations regarding processing and sale of animals for human consumption.

Date Passed: Monday, March 24, 2014

Effective Date: Friday, May 9, 2014

ORD C35087 Section 3