BACKYARD LIVESTOCK ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this Ordinance is to permit the responsible keeping of small-scale livestock within the Town of Paleto Bay while protecting public health, safety, sanitation, animal welfare, and neighborhood character. The Town recognizes the agricultural heritage of the region and seeks to balance the interests of livestock owners with those of surrounding residents. 

Section 2. Definitions 

For the purposes of this Ordinance:

• Backyard Livestock means domesticated animals kept for personal use or hobby purposes on residential property, including chickens, ducks, rabbits, miniature goats, and similar animals as approved by the Town.

• Owner means any person who owns, possesses, harbors, or has custody of backyard livestock.

• Coop or Enclosure means a secure structure designed to safely house livestock and protect them from predators and escape.

• Residential Property means any parcel primarily used for residential occupancy.

Section 3. Permitted Animals 

The following animals may be kept on residential property without special approval, subject to the requirements of this Ordinance:

• Chickens (hens only)

• Ducks

• Rabbits

• Miniature goats

• Other small domesticated livestock as approved by the Town.

The following are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Town Council:

• Roosters

• Cattle

• Horses

• Swine or pigs

• Sheep

• Llamas

• Exotic livestock

• Any animal determined to pose a public safety hazard.

Section 4. Maximum Number of Animals 

Unless otherwise approved through a permit:

• Up to 8 hens

• Up to 6 ducks

• Up to 10 rabbits

• Up to 2 miniature goats

The Town may reduce or increase these limits based upon lot size or unique circumstances.

Section 5. Housing Requirements 

All backyard livestock shall:

1. Be housed in a secure, weather-resistant enclosure.

2. Have access to clean water and appropriate food.

3. Be protected from predators and prevented from escaping.

4. Have adequate ventilation and sanitation.

5. Be maintained in a manner that minimizes odors and insects.

Enclosures shall be maintained in good repair at all times.

Section 6. Setback Requirements 

Coops, barns, pens, and enclosures shall be located:

• At least 15 feet from any neighboring residence.

• At least 10 feet from side and rear property lines.

• Outside of required easements and public rights-of-way.

Section 7. Sanitation 

Owners shall:

• Remove manure and waste regularly.

• Prevent excessive odor accumulation.

• Store feed in sealed containers to discourage rodents.

• Dispose of deceased animals in accordance with applicable laws.

Unsanitary conditions constitute a violation of this Ordinance.

Section 8. Noise 

Livestock shall not create excessive or continuous noise that unreasonably disturbs neighboring properties.

Because of their tendency to create persistent noise, roosters are prohibited within Town limits.

Section 9. Animal Welfare 

Owners shall provide:

• Adequate shelter

• Clean water

• Nutritious food

• Veterinary care when reasonably necessary

• Humane treatment at all times

Cruelty or neglect may result in removal of animals and additional penalties under applicable law.

Section 10. Slaughtering 

The slaughter of livestock for commercial purposes is prohibited on residential property.

Personal processing of poultry or rabbits for private consumption shall be conducted discreetly, humanely, and in compliance with all applicable health regulations, without creating a public nuisance.

Section 11. Escaped Animals 

Owners shall make reasonable efforts to immediately recover escaped livestock.

The Town may impound animals found running at large, with recovery costs assessed to the owner.

Section 13. Exemptions 

This Ordinance shall not apply to:

• Licensed veterinary facilities

• Educational programs approved by the Town

• Temporary agricultural exhibitions or fairs

• Emergency animal rescues authorized by the Town

• Properties zoned for agricultural use where separate regulations apply