§ 10-12. Limitation of number of animals.

(a)

No animal shall be permitted or allowed on any residential property which exceeds the maximum number of animals listed in this section. It is a violation of this chapter for the owner of an animal or the owner or occupant of residential property to permit or allow any animal on such property which exceeds the maximum number of animals listed in this section.

(b)

No animal shall be permitted or allowed on any residential property which does not belong to the species of animals listed in this section. It is a violation of this chapter for the owner of an animal or the owner or occupant of residential property to permit or allow any animal on such property which does not belong to the species of animals listed in this section.

(c)

The maximum number and species of animals for each residential dwelling unit shall be limited to:

(1)

A total of 14 animals which may consist of:

a.

No more than four adult dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs of ferrets; and

b.

No more than ten nonadult dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs or ferrets; and

(2)

A total of four adult house geckos, iguanas or birds of the psittaciforme order; and

(3)

Any number of the following animals, provided that such animals are confined or maintained in cages or aquariums and that the size of such cage or aquarium provides sufficient space for humane confinement of the animals:

a.

Gerbils, hamsters and mice, provided that the total volume of all cages for such animals does not exceed 40 cubic feet;

b.

Birds of the passeriforme order, provided that the total volume of all cages for such birds does not exceed 120 cubic feet; and

c.

Aquarium fish, aquarium amphibians and aquarium reptiles.

(d)

An unlimited number and species of animals may be maintained or boarded in a licensed kennel, wildlife rehabilitation center or shelter facility, provided that such kennel, center or facility complies with the requirements of the land development code and any special permit or special exception.

(e)

An unlimited number of livestock, as defined in F.S. § 588.13, may be maintained or boarded on property zoned flood plain-conservation (F-C), agriculture preservation (AP) or agriculture (A), provided that such property complies with the requirements of the land development code and any special permit or special exception.

(f)

Horses may be maintained or boarded on rural residential (RR) zoned property, provided that such property complies with the requirements of the land development code and any special permit or special exception.

(g)

Any person may apply for a waiver from the limitation on the maximum number of animals and/or species of animals listed in this section by filing a written request with the animal control authority. The request shall include the following information:

(1)

Name and address of the owner of the animal.

(2)

Name of the owner and location of the property.

(3)

Description of the animal.

(4)

Species of animal.

(5)

Number of animals.

(6)

Justification for the waiver.

(h)

Upon receipt of a request for waiver, the animal control authority shall review the request and make recommendations to the city council on the waiver. The city council shall review the request, consider the recommendations of the animal control authority, and either grant or deny the waiver.

(i)

In reviewing a request for waiver, the animal control authority and city council shall consider the following factors:

(1)

Conditions of confinement of the animal, including but not limited to sanitation and security;

(2)

Proximity of the animal to adjacent residential property;

(3)

Impact of the animal on surrounding property and residents;

(4)

Nuisance or disturbance to the public caused by the animal; and

(5)

Interest of the public health, safety and welfare.

(j)

In approving any waiver, the animal control authority may recommend and the city council may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards for the animal and the public. Such conditions may include criteria for cages and fencing, minimum distance from adjacent residential property, time limits for the waiver, and any other requirements reasonably related to the provisions of this chapter.

(k)

A waiver shall apply to a specified animal and shall not be transferred to any other animal. The owner of an animal for which a waiver is approved shall notify the animal control authority immediately upon the death, relocation, sale or transfer of such animal.

(Ord. No. 1992-31, § 13, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 1993-4, § 2, 3-16-93; Ord. No. 2003-7, § 2, 4-22-03; Ord. No. 2017-1, § 1, 2-7-17)