ARTICLE 3 – CITYWIDE USE REGULATIONS

 46 – KEEPING OF ANIMALS

46           KEEPING OF ANIMALS

46.1        Purpose

The purpose of this section is to regulate the keeping of farm animals in the City of West Haven in order to protect the health, safety, and public welfare of residents of the community and to insure their right of quiet enjoyment of their property.

46.2        Scope

Farm animals include all those animals traditionally raised on farms or ranched such as but not limited to chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, hogs, rabbits, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys, etc., whether for the residents pleasure or consumption, or for breeding or other commercial purposes. This shall not include animals listed above for which one (1) farm animal less than 100 pounds in weight is kept on the property as a pet.

46.3        Health Hazard or Nuisance

A health hazard or nuisance shall include situations of rat harborage, noxious odors, excessive noise, animals running loose and any other situation or nuisance which might be mentioned in the health code, zoning regulation, local ordinance, state statutes or accepted legal interpretation.

46.4        Keeping of Farm Animals

The keeping of one or more farm animals whether of one species or more than one species will be permitted in any district provided:

1.   The animal or animals are housed overnight in a structure which is a minimum of 100 feet from any dwelling unit.

2.   The animal or animals shall be kept a minimum distance of 25 feet from all adjoining property lines and that they shall be prevented from straying onto any street, roadway or adjoining private property;

3.   The premises or operation meet all applicable local and state health codes;

4.   No nuisance is created or maintained; and

5.   Any manure, feces or animal droppings shall be kept in a covered watertight pit or chamber and shall be removed at least once weekly.