21.08.250 Animal Boarding: Kennels, Shelters, and Equestrian Facilities.
A. Purpose. The purpose of these regulations in this section is to assure that the impacts of noise, odor, and sanitation associated with animals or animal boarding activities are minimized.
B. Requirements for Animal Kennels and Shelters. The following development criteria shall apply to all animal kennels and shelters in the zones in which they are approved or in the permit process under which the use is regulated. Additional criteria can be found in subsections RZC 21.08.250.B.2 and 21.08.250.C, below.
1. The applicant shall comply with requirements set forth in RMC Chapter 7.04, Animal Control.
2. Development Criteria for Semirural Zone (RA-5 Zone).
a. Kennels shall be allowed as either indoor or outdoor facilities.
b. Location. All animal containing structures and runs shall be set back a minimum distance of 50 feet from the property line. The structures may be required to be set back, landscaped, or designed in such a fashion to screen them from neighboring residential uses.
c. Mitigation of Noise. In order to mitigate potential noise impacts, animal-containing structures constructed of materials such as chain link, which do not provide sound proofing, may be required to meet greater setbacks distances from adjoining uses. These standards include but are not limited to the construction of fences and installation of landscaping to meet Type I landscape requirements.
d. Number of Animals. The planned maximum number of animals to be sheltered shall be indicated on the application. This maximum may be lowered by the Technical Committee if it cannot be shown that the development has adequate lot size and facility design to accommodate the planned number of animals in a fashion that ensures that neighboring properties will not be impacted by noise, odor, sanitation, and runoff problems.
C. Requirements for Equestrian Facilities. The following development criteria shall apply to private or commercial equestrian facilities such as stables, facilities for breeding and training, and riding academies, in the zones in which they are permitted. The keeping of horses or other large domestic animals for private use on individual residential lots is regulated by RMC Chapter 7.04, Animal Control.
1. Minimum Lot Requirement. The minimum land area for an equestrian facility shall be no less than five acres. The required land area may be reduced or increased in the R-2 through R-8 zones through a Conditional Use permit. The required land area will be based on how the proposal meets the intent of each of the requirements of this subsection.
2. Setback Requirements. All buildings used to house or train animals shall have a minimum setback of 50 feet from the nearest property line. Upon a written mutual agreement between property owners along a common interior lot line, areas for roaming or grazing, horse paddock areas and structures or pens may be permitted to extend into a common interior lot line; provided that the structure or pen complies with all other setback regulations in that zone. Small tool sheds or other storage facilities similar to accessory structures for a single-family residence shall have a minimum setback of five feet from the nearest property line. All other buildings shall meet the setback requirements of the zone in which they are located.
3. Odor and Sanitation. Stable manure shall not create a health hazard or an ongoing odor problem for neighboring properties. A plan for storage, reuse, or composting of manure shall be required that shows any or all of the following: use of absorbent bedding or odor-absorbing chemicals in stalls, the location, method of storage or composting proposals for waste materials, a schedule for manure removal, plans for use of manure as a fertilizer on the property including a proposed buffer area.
4. Pasturage/Paddocks/Exercise Facilities. The number of animals allowed to use pasturage shall be controlled to prevent overgrazing and erosion. If foals are to be kept at the facility, a sufficiently sized pasture area shall be available and used for extended periods of daily turnout of young animals. Setbacks or limited access may be required from streams. Paddock areas shall be designed to prevent erosion and cleaned as needed to prevent runoff of waste materials. Provision shall be made to properly exercise animals boarded in stalls; exercise wheels, paddocks for turnout, or an exercising schedule may be required.
5. Parking. A parking plan shall be submitted showing sufficient parking area or spaces to accommodate users, employees, visitors, or spectators. A ratio of one space for each five users, visitors, or spectators shall be required, including spectators for horse shows or similar events. In addition, the parking plan must delineate trailer parking area and an emergency access route.
6. Noise, Dust, Special Events. The use of public address systems to conduct instruction of the riders or announce at spectator events shall be controlled to prevent conflicts with nearby residential uses. In residential zones, limited hours of operation may be required for the use of the loudspeaker system and shall be consistent with the development regulations for noise. Cleanup shall be required after an event or show. The number of large special events may be limited under conditions of approval in the Land Use Permit process.
7. Lighting. Parking lot lighting and lighting on structures or signs shall comply with the development regulations for lighting and signage and with the Design Standards of RZC 21.60, Citywide Design Standards.
8. Number of Animals. The planned maximum number of animals to be sheltered shall be indicated on the application. The City may lower this maximum if it cannot be shown that the development has adequate lot size and facility design to accommodate the planned number of animals in a fashion that ensures the neighboring residential properties will be minimally impacted with noise or odor problems.