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Copyrighted by SANTA CLARA COUNTY CODE & Municipal Code Corporation, 1998.

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CHAPTER VIII.
PERMITTING THE KEEPING AND FLYING OF PIGEONS WITHIN RESIDENTIAL ZONED AREAS

Sec. B31-100. Intent.

The intent of this chapter is to permit only those pigeon lofts in residential zones which can and will be maintained in such a manner that will protect the health and safety of the community, and will not become a public nuisance.

(Ord. No. NS-300.745, § 1, 5-2-06)

Sec. B31-101. Definitions.

(a) Pigeons means and includes only those birds of the family Columbidae, which are maintained and housed by the owner/guardian or keeper thereof in a pigeon loft and which must be identified by means of leg bands.

(b) Pigeon loft means only such structures for the keeping of pigeons as are duly licensed as herein provided.

(c) Leg band means a ring of metal or plastic which bears thereon the means of identifying the individual bird and its owner/guardian or keeper.

(d) Permit means a license issued by the Animal Care and Control Division for the maintenance of a pigeon loft.

(e) Mature bird means those pigeons aged six months or over.

(f) Manager means Manager of the Animal Care and Control Division or his or her designated representative.

(Ord. No. NS-300.745, § 1, 5-2-06)

Sec. B31-102. Permit application.

(a) No permit is required to keep, maintain or harbor twelve or fewer pigeons in residential zone(s). However, the pigeons shall be reasonably confined to the property, maintained in a sanitary condition, and not be creating a public nuisance.

(b) Any person who keeps, maintains or harbors in excess of twelve pigeons in any residential zone shall be required to obtain a permit from the Animal Care and Control Division for such a use. The Animal Care and Control Division will issue a permit to an applicant who meets the requirements of Section B31-103 herein.

(Ord. No. NS-300.745, § 1, 5-2-06)

Sec. B31-103. Requirements for permit.

Before the Animal Care and Control Division will issue a permit, the applicant shall comply with the County Zoning Ordinance and with the following requirements:

(a) The loft shall be of sufficient size and design and constructed of material that can be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

(b) The construction and location of the loft shall not conflict with the requirements of any building code or setback line, and shall be at least forty feet from any occupied human dwelling.

(c) Provide for the feed storage in such a manner that protects against intrusion by rodents and other vermin.

(d) Provide for the sanitary disposal of all manure at frequent intervals.

(e) The Manager may specify additional conditions to the permit as deemed necessary for carrying out the intent of this chapter.

(Ord. No. NS-300.745, § 1, 5-2-06)

Sec. B31-104. Management of pigeon loft.

In addition to the requirements set forth in Section B31-103 above, the permit holder shall at all times comply with the following:

(a) The pigeon loft shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

(b) Manure shall not be allowed to accumulate in the loft or be stored on the premises.

(c) Pigeons shall be confined to the loft, except for limited periods necessary for exercise, training and/or competition; at no time shall pigeons be allowed to perch or linger on the buildings or property of other persons.

(d) Spilled or excess feed in or around the loft shall be promptly removed and disposed of in a manner that does not attract rodents.

(Ord. No. NS-300.745, § 1, 5-2-06)

Sec. B31-105. Inspection authority.

Pigeon lofts and accessory buildings and property may be inspected at any reasonable time(s) or interval(s) by the Animal Care and Control Division.

(Ord. No. NS-300.745, § 1, 5-2-06)

Sec. B31-106. Revocation of permit.

A pigeon loft permit may be revoked by the Manager for violation of any of the requirements of Sections B31-103 and B31-104 of this chapter. The Animal Care and Control Division shall mail or personally serve the permit holder with a written notice setting forth the grounds for revocation of the permit and advising the permit holder that he or she has seven days from receipt of the notice to request in writing a hearing to appeal the revocation of his or her permit. Such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Sections B31-76 and B31-77. Failure to request a hearing will constitute an admission of the alleged violation(s), resulting in the immediate revocation of the permit.

(Ord. No. NS-300.745, § 1, 5-2-06)

Sec. B31-107. Fees.

(a) A fee established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors shall be charged for each pigeon loft permit in accordance with the number of mature birds maintained.

(b) Each permit shall be renewed annually for a fee established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, except that a revised permit and payment of the applicable fee shall be required when the number of mature birds exceeds the initial or original number permitted.

(Ord. No. NS-300.745, § 1, 5-2-06)

Secs. B31-108, B31-109. Reserved.

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