Seattle Municipal Code

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Seattle Municipal Code

Information retrieved May 24, 2013 9:01 PM

Title 23 - LAND USE CODE
Subtitle III - Land Use Regulations
Division 2 - Authorized Uses and Development Standards
Chapter 23.42 - GENERAL USE PROVISIONS

23.42.052 Keeping of animals

The keeping of small animals, farm animals, domestic fowl and bees is permitted outright in all zones as an accessory use to any principal use permitted outright or to a permitted conditional use, in each case subject to the standards of this Section 23.42.052.

A. Small Animals. Up to three small animals may be kept accessory to each business establishment, other than an urban farm, or dwelling unit on a lot, except as follows:

1. In no case is more than one miniature potbelly pig allowed per business establishment or dwelling unit (see subsection 23.42.052.B).

2. In single-family zones,

a. accessory dwelling units shall not be considered separate dwelling units for the purpose of this Section 23.42.052

b. up to four small animals are permitted on lots of at least 20,000 square feet; and

c. one additional small animal is permitted for each 5,000 square feet of lot area in excess of 20,000 square feet. Accessory structures, including kennels, for four or more animals must be at least 10 feet from any other lot in a residential zone.

B. Miniature Potbelly Pigs. That type of swine commonly known as the Vietnamese, Chinese, or Asian Potbelly Pig (Sus scrofa bittatus) may be kept as a small animal, provided that no swine that is greater than 22 inches in height at the shoulder or more than 150 pounds in weight may be kept in the city.

C. Domestic Fowl. Up to eight domestic fowl may be kept on any lot in addition to the small animals permitted in subsection 23.42.052.A.

1. On lots greater than 10,000 square feet that include either a community garden or an urban farm, one additional fowl is permitted for every 1,000 square feet of lot area over 10,000 square feet in community garden or urban farm use.

2. Roosters are not permitted.

3. Structures housing domestic fowl must be located at least 10 feet away from any structure that includes a dwelling unit on an adjacent lot.

D. Farm Animals. Cows, horses, sheep and other similar farm animals are permitted only on lots of at least 20,000 square feet. The keeping of swine is prohibited, except for miniature potbelly pigs allowed under subsection 23.42.052.B.

1. One farm animal for every 10,000 square feet of lot area is permitted.

2. Farm animals and structures housing them must be kept at least 50 feet from any other lot in a residential zone.

E. Beekeeping. Beekeeping is permitted outright as an accessory use, when registered with the State Department of Agriculture, provided that:

1. No more than four hives, each with only one swarm, are allowed on lots of less than 10,000 square feet.

2. Hives shall not be located within 25 feet of any lot line except when situated 8 feet or more above the grade immediately adjacent to the grade of the lot on which the hives are located or when situated less than 8 feet above the adjacent existing lot grade and behind a solid fence or hedge six (6) feet high parallel to any lot line within 25 feet of a hive and extending at least 20 feet beyond the hive in both directions.

F. Miniature Goats. The types of goats commonly known as Pygmy, Dwarf and Miniature Goats may be kept as small animals, provided that male miniature goats are neutered and all miniature goats are dehorned. Nursing offspring of miniature goats licensed according to the provisions of this Code may be kept until weaned, no longer than 12 weeks from birth, without violating the limitations of subsection 23.42.052.A.

Legislative history/notes:

( Ord. 123378 , § 3, 2010; Ord. 122508 , § 1, 2007; Ord. 122311 , § 23, 2006)

New legislation may amend this section!

The above represents the most recent SMC update, which includes ordinances codified through Ordinance 124136 except 124105 with effective dates prior to March 16^th, 2013.

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