HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Ord 2008-04-16
ORDINANCE NO. 505 N.S.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF TIBURON
REPEALING TITLE VI, CHAPTER 20 (ANIMALS) OF THE TIBURON MUNICIPAL
CODE AND ADOPTING A NEW TITLE VI, CHAPTER 20 (ANIMALS),
OF THE TIBURON MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING AND INCORPORATING BY
REFERENCE SECTIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOOD &
AGRICULTURAL CODE
WHEREAS, Title VI, Chapter 20 of the Tiburon Municipal Code sets forth certain
regulations regarding animals; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Tiburon is obligated under state law to provide animal
control services, and does so under a cooperative arrangement with other Marin County
agencies which adopt common regulations and fees; and
WHEREAS, animal control services for the Town of Tiburon and other Marin
County agencies are provided by the Marin Humane Society pursuant to a contract with
the County of Marin; and
WHEREAS, the County of Marin has recently revised its Animal Services
Ordinance and has requested Marin municipalities to adopt these revisions in order to
assure consistent application of certain laws regulating animals; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon desires to adopt the
revisions to Title VI, Chapter 20 of the Tiburon Municipal Code in order to incorporate
the revisions to the County of Marin Code and to allow for the uniform regulation of
animal control services countywide, and further desires to adopt by reference and
incorporate certain portions of the State of California Food & Agricultural Code; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has determined that the extent of revisions
necessitates a repeal and adoption of a new Title VI, Chapter 20 and hereby adopts
this ordinance in order to promote and protect the public health, safety, and general
welfare.
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NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon does ordain as
follows:
SECTION 1. TITLE VI, CHAPTER 20 (ANIMALS) REPEALED.
Title VI, Chapter 20 (Animals) of the Tiburon Municipal Code is hereby repealed
in its entirety.
SECTION 2. TITLE VI, CHAPTER 20 (ANIMALS) ADDED.
Title VI, Chapter 20 (Animals) is hereby added to the Tiburon Municipal Code to
read as follows:
Chapter 20
ANIMALS
Article I. In General.
20-1.001
Short Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be referred to in all proceedings as the
ASO (Animal Services Ordinance).
20-1.002
Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases are defined
and shall be construed as hereinafter set forth unless it is stated a different meaning is
intended.
(a) "Animal Services Agency" means the agency appointed in Section 20-2.110 to
implement and enforce portions of this Chapter.
(b) "Board of Supervisors" means the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin.
(c) "Commercial animal establishment" means any location where the business of
grooming, buying, selling, bartering, training, renting or boarding of dogs, cats, wild
animals, domestic animals or fowl is conducted. This definition shall not apply to:
(1) The use of goats, sheep, or other animals in herding operations for the
purposes of clearing brush and ground cover for fire control purposes;
(2) Buying or selling livestock for agricultural purposes;
(2) Livestock establishments;
(3) Buying and selling of dogs by dog hobbyists;
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(4) Buying and selling of dogs by ranch dog permittees;
(5) Business activities of a duly licensed veterinary hospital;
(6) Training facilities where owners/guardians are trained to handle their own pets;
(7) Town designated animal services provider.
(d) "Commercial district" means any property zoned for commercial and/or office uses
as set forth on the Town of Tiburon Zoning Map pursuant to Title IV, Chapter 16,
Section 16-2.16 of the Tiburon Municipal Code.
(e) "County" means the County of Marin.
(f) "County Administrator" means the County Administrator of the County of Marin or
his/her designee.
(g) "Director" means Chief Executive Officer of the Animal Services Agency or any
person authorized to act on his/her behalf.
(h) "Dog" means any animal that is a member of species canis familiaris four months
old or older.
(i) "Dog hobbyist" means any person who keeps, within or adjoining a private residence,
four or more dogs for personal, recreational and noncommercial purposes who has
secured a permit for such activity in accordance with the provisions of Section 20-
2.245 of this Chapter.
U) "Dog license" means the license required to be annually issued for each individual
dog.
(k) "Downtown area" means all that area bounded by, and including, Mar West Street to
the north and west; Upper Main Street and the City of Belvedere boundary line to the
south; and San Francisco Bay to the east.
(I) "Large animal" means any cloven-footed or hoofed animal, including without
limitation, any cow, goat, sheep, pig, llama, or member of the horse family.
(m) "Licensed dog" means any dog for which the license for the current year has been
issued and to which the tag is properly displayed.
(n) "Owner/guardian" means any person who has the legal responsibility and rights of
an owner/guardian after keeping or harboring an animal for 15 or more days, except
a veterinarian or an operator of a kennel engaged in the regular practice of this
business. The use of the word "guardian" for all legal intent and purposes has the
same meaning and effect as the term "owner/guardian" with respect to all federal,
state, and local law, current and/or as modified.
(0) "Poultry" means any chicken, rooster, turkey, duck, goose, or other domesticated
bird that is commonly associated with the production of eggs or meat.
(p) "Public place" means any and all areas that are open for public use whether or not
such area is in public or private ownership. The term "public place" as used in this
Chapter shall include, without limitation and without regard to whether such property
is publicly or privately owned, streets, sidewalks, pathways, parks, pedestrian ways,
schoolyards, beaches, and parking lots.
(q) "Ranch dog permittee" means any person who owns or keeps within or adjoining a
residence, building, lot or area which is zoned for agricultural uses under Title IV,
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Chapter 16, Article II of the Tiburon Municipal Code, four or more dogs for personal,
recreational, or noncommercial purposes.
20-1.003
Use Permit Required----poultry, livestock, bees.
Unless legally established prior to [the effective date of this ordinance], the
keeping of poultry, livestock, or bees is deemed "agriculture" as defined in Title IV,
Chapter 16, Section 16-1.5 of the Tiburon Municipal Code and shall require a
conditional use permit pursuant to Title IV, Chapter 16, Section 16-4.4 of the Tiburon
Municipal Code.
20-1.004
Use permit required----Iarge animals.
The keeping of any large animal on a lot or premises shall require a conditional
use permit pursuant to Title IV, Chapter 16, Section 16-4.4 of the Tiburon Municipal
Code. Refer to Article V of this Chapter for specific regulations regarding horses.
20-1.005
Penalty for Violations.
(a) Except where otherwise provided, any person violating any of the
provisions of Sections 20-2.179 [barking dogs], 20-2.180 [trespassing animals], 20-
2.181 [dangerous dogs], 20-2.225 [big cats], 20-2.230 [animal exhibits], 20-2.240
[commercial animal establishments], 20-2.245 [dog hobbyists] and 20-2.246 [ranch dog
permittees] of this Chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall
be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars, by imprisonment in the
county jail for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(b) Unless otherwise specified herein, any person violating any other
provision of this Chapter shall be guilty of an infraction. In addition to all other remedies
available under this Chapter, under Title VI, Chapter 31 of this Code, or under state
law, any violation of this Chapter shall be subject to abatement as a public nuisance.
All costs relating to enforcement of this Chapter shall be borne by and recoverable from
the person in violation thereof.
Article II. County of Marin Referred Regulations & Certain Provisions
Regulating Dogs
20-2.030
Dog Licenses Required----Periods.
Every owner/guardian of a dog which is over the age of four months and which is
kept in the Town shall procure a license for each such dog, for each year, commencing
with the date of the rabies vaccination of the dog and expiring the year following the
date of issuance of such license. Such license shall be procured within thirty days after
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the day upon which the dog is four months old, or within thirty days after the day upon
which the dog, if over the age of four months, is first obtained by a resident of the Town
and thereafter shall be maintained on a current basis from year to year. Dog
owner/guardians may, with proof of multi-year rabies vaccination, choose to obtain
licenses for one, two or three years, with final expiration to coincide with the expiration
of the rabies vaccination.
20-2.040 Rabies vaccinations, veterinarian reporting requirements.
(a) Whenever the laws of this state require vaccination of dogs against rabies, no
license shall be issued for any dog required to be vaccinated until the issuing
authority is given satisfactory written evidence of compliance under such law.
(b) All cats shall be vaccinated against rabies. Any person in possession, control, or
ownership/guardianship of any cat shall have that cat vaccinated against rabies.
(c) Any veterinarian operating either at an established place of business or at a
mobile clinic shall provide a copy of a rabies vaccination certificate for any cat or
dog vaccinated by him/her to the Animal Services provider within ten days of
vaccination.
20-2.050 Confinement and quarantine.
The owner/guardian of a quarantined animal shall pay a fee as set forth by
separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors toward the animal services' costs in
providing and insuring that the animal is properly quarantined. If any person fails or
refuses to obey any lawful order for quarantine of an animal for rabies observation, any
animal services officer may impound the animal for such quarantine at additional
expense to the owner/guardian at the rate as may be established by separate resolution
of the Board of Supervisors. Quarantine fees are payable within thirty days of issuance
of an invoice. Payment is delinquent if not received within sixty days.
20-2.060
License fee.
(a) A dog license fee shall be imposed on all dogs. The license fee for dogs, which
have not been sterilized, shall be established by separate resolution of the Board of
Supervisors.
(b) The license fee for dogs which have been sterilized shall be established by separate
resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The fee is due and payable with the issuance of
a license as required in Section 20-2.030.
20-2.070 Delinquent license penalty.
Any owner/guardian failing to procure and pay for such license within the period
allowed in Section 20-2.030 shall pay a delinquent penalty in the amount set forth by
separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The delinquent penalty may be waived
where failure to pay is due to reasonable cause and circumstances beyond the control
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of the dog owner/guardian which shall be determined by the Animal Services Agency or
the County Administrator's Office. Any person dissatisfied with a determination denying
waiver of the delinquent penalty shall be entitled to a hearing which shall be conducted
pursuant to the provisions of Section 20-2.122.
20-2.080 Duplicate license tags.
If a license tag is lost, a duplicate tag may be acquired by the payment of a fee
as may be established by separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
20-2.090 Display of License tags.
The license tag shall be attached securely to a collar or harness or other suitable
device on the dog for which it was issued at all times that the dog is in the public areas
of the Town. The person in control of the dog shall show the license certificate or tag
upon demand by a representative of the Animal Services Agency at any time.
20-2.100 Exceptions.
Any dog bred, raised, or providing service as a guide or service dog is exempt
from the license fee but is not exempt from being licensed or from any required
vaccination. The provisions of Section 20-2.030 shall not apply to any dog in the
custody or care of a nonresident of the Town or temporarily therein for a period not
exceeding thirty days.
20-2.110 Animal services officer -Appointment.
The Marin Humane Society is hereby appointed as the Animal Services Agency
for the Town, and shall appoint suitable persons to act as Animal Services Officers. All
Animal Services Officers shall, for the purpose of enforcing this chapter, be deemed to
be peace officers.
20-2.120 Animal Services Agency and its Animal Services Officers - Powers
and duties.
The powers and duties of the Animal Services Agency and Animal Services Officers
shall be as follows:
(a) To enforce all provisions of this chapter and all the laws of the state of California
relating to the care, treatment, and impounding of animals, and specifically to issue
citations and to make arrests for violations of the provisions of this chapter and
related state laws;
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(b) To provide an animal shelter for all animals which are subject to impoundment.
Animals shall be provided with humane care and treatment, including veterinary
care when appropriate, throughout the duration of their impoundment consistent
with state laws and local ordinances;
(c) To take up, impound and safely keep any animals where authorized under the
provisions of this chapter or the laws of this state;
(d) To collect any costs or charges hereinafter provided in this chapter for the
impounding and keeping of any animal;
(e) Where authorized under the provisions of this chapter or the laws of this state, to
enter upon any premises upon which any animal is kept for the purpose of taking
up, seizing or impounding of any animal or for the purpose of determining whether
such animal is licensed or is violating the provisions of this chapter;
(f) To euthanize any animal lawfully impounded which by reason of injury, disease or
temperament is unsuitable for adoption placement;
(g) To enter upon any private or public property in order to pick up and dispose of any
dead animal;
(h) To destroy or dispose of any animal where authorized pursuant to the provisions of
this chapter;
(i) To make determinations in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;
U) To perform any and all services related to public records (handling, retention and
availability) in the same manner as employees of the Town regarding the handling of
what would be public records if prepared, retained or distributed by Town
employees.
20-2.122 Hearings.
(a) The administrative hearing officer selected by the County Administrator or designee
is authorized to conduct hearings in all cases authorized by the provisions of this
chapter. This shall include, but not be limited to, all permit denials, permit
revocations or refusals to renew permits authorized under Article II of this chapter.
Written notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given to the animal
owner/guardian, permittee or permittee applicant at least ten days prior to the date
set for hearing, unless the animal owner/guardian, permittee or permittee applicant
expressly requests, in writing, that the hearing be set for an earlier date, and the
Animal Services Agency agrees to do so. Service of the notice shall be made in
accordance with the provisions of Section 1.04.190 of the Marin County Code. If the
owner/guardian of the affected animal, permittee or permittee applicant fails to
appear at the hearing, the hearing shall nevertheless proceed, and an appropriate
order shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING AND FEES. The administrative hearing officer shall
have the ability to impose administrative hearing fees authorized under a fee
ordinance or resolution adopted by the governing body under whose authority the
hearing has been undertaken. The administrative hearing officer may impose the
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fees based upon the complainant's, or business owner's or animal owner/guardian's
culpability for causing administrative expenses to the Animal Services Agency's
program. At the administrative hearing, the hearing fee shall be in lieu of the
imposition of any applicable statutory fine. In a de novo appeal to the Superior
Court, both administrative expense fees as well as statutory penalties may be
imposed upon the animal owner/guardian as deemed appropriate. Criminal
restitution, damages and/or injury awards are the domain of the superior courts and
are not available by way of the administrative hearing process. In any hearings other
than ones involving the determination of the status of a potentially dangerous animal
or vicious animal, the decisions of the hearing officer shall be final but subject to
review by the Superior Court pursuant to the provisions of CCP section 1094.5. De
novo appeal of hearing officer decisions to the Superior Court is only available in the
case of potentially dangerous animal or vicious animal hearings.
(c) SANCTIONS HEARINGS AND FEES. If the animal owner/guardian does not appeal
the orders of the hearing officer in a potentially dangerous or vicious animal case to
the Superior Court within the time period prescribed in this Chapter, the hearing
officer's orders shall be binding. In all other administrative hearings, the decisions of
the hearing officer are final without further appeal to the Superior Court. Failure to
abide by the hearing officer's orders shall, upon petition by the Animal Services
Agency, subject the animal owner/guardian (or commercial animal establishment-
related licensee or other permitees/licensees) to attend a noticed sanctions hearing
where further regulatory actions to protect the public health and safety may be
considered and imposed. Notice requirements shall be the same as in the case of
the initial hearing before the hearing officer. (See (a) above.) The sanctions that
may be imposed include any reasonable regulatory actions to preserve public health
and safety including, but not limited to the destruction of the animal (which order is
subject to de novo review), or in the case of a permit of license, loss of said permit
or license. Lesser sanctions may be imposed provided the heath and safety of the
public is not unreasonably placed at risk. Sanctions hearings shall be recorded or
reported, and shall be final. The hearing officer shall have the authority to impose
additional administrative fees authorized under a fee ordinance or resolution
adopted by the governing body under whose authority the hearing has been
undertaken for the expenses related to the sanctions hearing. The orders from such
sanctions hearings shall be subject to review by the Superior Court pursuant to the
provisions of CCP section 1094.5.
(d) Any owner/guardian failing to abide by the final orders of the hearing officer within
the period allowed within the orders or under law shall pay a civil administrative
penalty in the amount of $500. The civil administrative penalty may be waived where
failure to perform the required order(s) is/are due to reasonable cause and
circumstances beyond the control of the dog owner/guardian which shall be
determined by the hearing officer. Any person dissatisfied with a hearing
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determination denying waiver of the civil administrative penalty may petition for
review by the Superior Court pursuant to the provisions of CCP section 1094.5.
20-2.130 Disposition of animals by Animal Services Agency.
Except where otherwise provided in this chapter, the Animal Services Agency shall
keep any animal impounded for violation of the provisions of this chapter or
relinquished for the period of time hereinafter specified and shall determine the final
disposition of the same in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) Unidentified Stray Animals. All impounded unidentified stray animals shall be held
for redemption for five working days. The stray holding period shall not include the
day upon which the animal was impounded, days the animal shelter is closed or
holidays. At the end of the stray holding period, the Animal Services Agency shall
determine the final disposition of the animal, which may include adoption,
redemption or euthanasia.
(b) Identified Stray Animals. All impounded stray animals where an owner/guardian is
known shall be held eight working days. The stray holding period shall not include
the day upon which the animal was impounded, days the animal shelter is closed or
holidays. At the end of the stray holding period, the Animal Services Agency shall
determine the final disposition of the animal, which may include adoption,
redemption, or euthanasia. The Animal Services Agency shall notify the
owner/guardian by mail at the last known address of the animal being impounded.
Notice of impoundment shall be given to the animal owner/guardian within 24 hours
of impoundment.
(c) Release of dogs and cats. All dogs four months old and older shall be released to
their owner/guardians with a current dog license. All cats four months old and older
shall be released to their owner/guardians with proof of a current rabies vaccination.
(d) Sterilization of Animals Released for Adoption. No dog or cat shall be released for
adoption without being sterilized.
(e) The Animal Services Agency shall follow all laws of the State of California
concerning holding periods and final disposition of animals.
20-2.140 Redemption of impounded animals.
Except where redemption is not permitted by this chapter, redemption of an
impounded animal by the owner/guardian shall be made by exhibiting to the Animal
Services Agency proof of the owner/guardian's identity and any required license
certificate, tag, or other satisfactory proof of custody. All charges provided for under
Section 20-2.150 must be paid to the Animal Services Agency prior to the animal being
redeemed. If such animal is released to a person other than the owner/guardian, the
owner/guardian of such animal may, at any time within thirty days, request the Animal
Services Agency to return the animal to the owner/guardian. All costs of impoundment,
including charges for boarding, shall be collected prior to the animal being released to
the owner/guardian. No person may redeem an animal under this section if he or she
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was given written notice of such impoundment by the Animal Services Agency and
failed for a period of eight days after the mailing of such notice to redeem such animal
from impoundment.
20-2.150 Fees for redemption, placement, surrender.
(a) Redemption Fees. No animal may be released by the Animal Services Agency to
the owner/guardian until all appropriate charges have been paid. The redemption
fee for an impounded animal shall be established by separate resolution of the
Board of Supervisors.
(b) Boarding Fees. The Animal Services Agency shall collect boarding fees for dogs
and cats as may be established by separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
Fees for livestock shall be collected pursuant to Section 20-2.220.
(c) Veterinary Fees. The Animal Services Agency shall collect all fees associated with
veterinary care provided to any impounded animal.
(d) Surrender. Animals surrendered by their owner/guardians subsequent to
impoundment for a violation of this chapter or any provisions of state law shall not
relieve the owner/guardian of the obligation to pay such charges as set forth by
separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors, prior to such surrender.
20-2.160 Dogs running at large in certain public places.
It is unlawful for the owner/guardian or person having control of any dog to
permit the dog to run at large in any public place, including without limitation, parks,
school grounds, commercial districts, wildlife preserves or game refuges, or in any
public watershed areas; except where the Town Council by ordinance or resolution has
specifically permitted dogs to run at large; and where signs acknowledging such
permission have been erected by the Town. Every dog found running at large in
violation of the provisions of this section shall be immediately seized and impounded.
Any duly authorized peace officer or person exercising peace officer powers shall be
entitled to take such other action as may be reasonably necessary for the protection of
public health and safety.
20-2.165
Dogs----Owner/guardian responsible for removing feces.
It is unlawful for the owner/guardian or person having custody or control of any
dog to allow such dog to defecate upon any public property or upon any private
property not owned or possessed by said person unless the person immediately
removes and disposes of the feces in a sanitary manner.
20-2.170 Dogs running on certain private lands.
It is unlawful for the owner/guardian or person having control of any dog to suffer
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or permit the same to run upon the lands of another whereon livestock or domestic fowl
are kept, without the consent of the owner/guardian or person entitled to the use or
possession of such lands.
20-2.175
Control of dogs--Leash requirement in certain places.
It is unlawful for the owner/guardian or person having custody or control of any
dog to allow such dog in the places listed below unless such dog is restrained by a
leash of sufficiently short length to enable such person to maintain constant control over
such dog:
a) The entire length of the Richardson Bay Lineal Park Multi-Use Path
(former railroad right-of-way), defined as the paved pathway commencing
on the west at Blackie's Pasture Road and terminating on the east at the
intersection of Cove Road and Tiburon Boulevard;
b) McKegney Green, defined as the large grassy field located in the
Richardson Bay Lineal Park across Tiburon Boulevard from Del Mar
Middle School and immediately northwest of the prominent knoll (South
Knoll) located near the public street known as Pine Terrace;
c) South Knoll Park and Playground, defined as that portion of Richardson
Bay Lineal Park bounded on the north by South Knoll, on the east by the
Multi-use Path, and on the south and west by Richardson Bay, including
the irrigated and non-irrigated field areas and the playgrounds;
d) Zelinsky Park and Railroad Marsh, defined as those grassy park and
freshwater marsh and fringe areas located directly behind (north of) the
Belvedere Public Library and Tiburon Town Hall at 1501-1505 Tiburon
Boulevard, and bounded on the west by Mar West Street, on the east by
the Point Tiburon Marsh residential condominiums, and on the north by
the Judge Field portion of the Tiburon Peninsula Club property;
e) Shoreline Park, defined as the park located in the downtown area
between Paradise Drive on the north, San Francisco Bay on the south,
Mar West Street on the east, and the Main StreetlTiburon Boulevard
intersection on the west;
f) Any street, sidewalk or parking lot in the downtown area, as that term is
defined in Section 20-1.002;
g) Any commercial district, as that term is defined in Section 20-1.002.
20-2.177 Control of dogs by responsible person----General
(a) Except as provided in Section 20-2.175, dogs shall at all times be kept
under the immediate control and direction of a competent, responsible person who is
capable of controlling such animal. Any dog that is not subject to such control and
direction may be seized and impounded.
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(b) Every owner/guardian or possessor of a dog shall at all times prevent
such dog from biting or physically harassing any person engaged in a lawful act and
from interfering with the lawful use of public or private property.
(c) Every owner/guardian or possessor of a dog shall at all times prevent
such dog from causing injury to another domestic animal that results in veterinarian
treatment or death while such domestic animal is lawfully upon public or private
property.
(d) Every owner/guardian or possessor of a dog shall desist from
commanding or provoking such dog to attack, sic or threaten a person when such
person is peaceably and lawfully upon public or private property.
20-2.179
Prohibition of habitual animal noise which unreasonably disturbs the
peace.
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this section,
it is unlawful for any person to suffer or permit any dog, cat, fowl, or other animal to
habitually bark, yelp, howl or create noise in such a manner which unreasonably
disturbs the peace of any person(s).
(b) Any person who shall keep or permit to remain on any premises, an
animal which disturbs the peace of any person in the manner set forth in subsection (a)
of this section shall be guilty of an infraction for a first offense for a subsequent second
offense as provided in Section 20-1.005. Any person found in violation of this
subsection for a third or additional offense shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. An animal
kennel regulated by a use permit under the provisions of the Tiburon Municipal Code
shall not be subject to the provisions of this section. This section shall not apply to
customary animal noises of livestock, horses or other animals kept for agricultural
activities in areas including but not limited to farms, ranches and stables that are zoned
or legally permitted for such purposes.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, where the
animal owner/guardian is present and available at a household, the police will notify the
keeper of the offending animal of the noise violation and direct that such violation be
abated. If the police receive a second complaint from any person within thirty (30) days
of the notice of complaint of an additional violation by the animal, then the police may
issue a citation provided there is probable cause to believe the noise has been
continuous for one half hour or more. If an animal creates noise, but not to the extent of
a half hour of continuous noise, and the owner/guardian is not present at home, the
police shall issue a written notice of complaint upon a first complaint that informs the
owner/guardian that a further violation within thirty (30) days of the notice of complaint
may result in the issuance of a citation. Written notice of complaint shall be sufficient by
securely posting the notice of the complaint upon the door of the household where the
animal is kept. If the police receive a second complaint from any person within thirty
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(30) days of the notice of complaint of an additional violation by the animal, then the
police may issue a citation provided there is probable cause to believe the noise has
been continuous for a half an hour or more. Whenever possible, the police may
recommend the services of county mediation to the complainant and the keeper of the
animal as a means of resolving the animal nuisance noise. If mediation is refused by
either party or is unsuccessful at the end of the thirty business days, then the matter
shall proceed as if it were never referred to mediation.
(d) If the animal owner/guardian of the offending animal is unavailable, the police
may issue a citation with a first complaint if it is determined by the police after
investigation of the complaint and interview of the complainant that the noise created by
the animal has persisted for one half hour or more and cannot be abated or quieted so
that it continues to disturb the peace of the complaining person(s). If the noise created
by the animal can be abated or quieted so that it does not continue to disturb the
peace, such abatement or quieting shall be done and the police shall issue a written
notice of complaint upon a first complaint that informs the owner/guardian that a further
violation within thirty (30) days of the notice of complaint may result in the issuance of a
citation. Written notice of complaint shall be sufficient by securely posting the notice of
the complaint upon the door of the household where the animal is kept. If the police
receive a second complaint from any person within thirty (30) days of the notice of
complaint of an additional violation by the animal, then the police may issue a citation
provided there is probable cause to believe the noise has been continuous for a half an
hour or more. The police may in addition make a referral to Animal Services so an
investigation may ensue as to whether the animal should be taken into protective
custody. The animal may be taken into protective custody by Animal Services for
animal owner/guardian abuse, neglect, or any other grounds within their authority. An
animal placed under protective custody under this section may be redeemed by the
owner/guardian provided there is presented to the Animal Services Agency proof of the
owner/guardian's identity and any required license certificate or license tag or other
satisfactory proof of owner/guardianship and by paying the charges referenced under
Section 20-2.150 and the fees that may be established by separate resolution or
ordinance of the Board of Supervisors in reference thereto.
(e) The owner/guardian of an animal taken into protective custody under this
section shall be entitled to a hearing conducted by a hearing officer designated by the
Town Manager or his/her designee pursuant to the provisions of Section 20-2.122. The
hearing shall be conducted for the purpose of determining whether the taking of the
animal into protective custody was proper and whether the protective custody should
continue. The hearing shall be held within ten (10) business days following the taking of
the animal into custody provided such owner/guardian files a written request for a
hearing with the police within five (5) business days following written notice. Unless the
hearing officer otherwise determines, the owner/guardian is liable for all charges related
to such taking of the animal into protective custody.
(f) Such repeated acts by an owner/guardian of allowing an animal to disturb the
peace, as described by subsection (a) and subject to the limitations set forth in
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subsections (b), (c), and (d), shall constitute a public nuisance under the provisions of
Title VI, Chapter 31 of the Tiburon Municipal Code. Persons responsible for such
disturbances may be held liable to civil penalties as may be set forth in Title VI, Chapter
31 of the Tiburon Municipal Code.
20-2.180
Prohibition of animals trespassing on public or private property.
It is unlawful to suffer or permit any animal to trespass on private or public property
so as to damage or destroy any property or thing of value, or so as to commit any other
act dangerous to public health or safety, and any animal committing such an act is a
public nuisance.
20-2.181 Potentially dangerous and vicious dogs.
(a) Except as otherwise provided under the provisions of subsections (b) through (e) of
this section, the provisions of Chapter 9, Articles 1 through 5, Sections 31601
through 31683 and any amendments thereto exclusive of Sections 31602, 31603,
31606 and 31644 of the Food and Agricultural Code are adopted and incorporated
by reference herein. The hearing provisions set forth in subsection (e) below shall
be in addition to the provisions set forth above in section 20-2.122.
(b) "Potentially dangerous dog" means any of the following:
(1) Any dog which, when unprovoked on two separate occasions within the prior
thirty-six month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by
any person to prevent bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the property
of the owner/guardian of the dog;
(2) Any dog which, when unprovoked, bites a person causing a less severe injury
than as defined in Section 31604 of the Food and Agricultural Code;
(3) Any dog which, when unprovoked, has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury
or otherwise caused injury attacking a domestic animal off the property of the
owner/guardian of the dog.
(4) Any dog that has been deemed by another governmental jurisdiction as
"potentially dangerous" or "dangerous", or similar designation.
(c) "Vicious dog" means any of the following:
(1) Any dog seized under Section 599aa of the Penal Code and upon the
sustaining of a conviction of the owner/guardian under subdivision (a) of Section
597.5 of the Penal Code;
(2) Any dog which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts severe
injury on or kills a human being;
(3) Any dog previously determined to be and currently listed as a potentially
dangerous dog which, after its owner/guardian has been notified of this
determination, continues the behavior described in Section 20-2.181 (b) or is
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maintained in violation of Section 31641, 31642 or 31643 of the California Food
and Agricultural Code.
(4) Any dog that has been deemed by another governmental jurisdiction as
"vicious" or similar designation.
(5) Any dog which has engaged in any aggressive behavior that demonstrates
that the dog represents a clear and present substantial danger to public health
or safety and that due to substantial risk to public health or safety it is unlikely
that the dog could be safely maintained.
(d) "Severe injury" means any physical injury directly caused by a dog attack that results
in muscle tear(s), puncture(s), dislocation(s), broken bone(s) or disfiguring
laceration(s), or which requires the suturing of a wound, corrective or cosmetic
surgery and hospitalization for any of the aforementioned conditions.
(e) A hearing on whether a dog shall be declared potentially dangerous or vicious shall
be conducted in the following manner:
(1) If the director has investigated and determined that there exists probable cause
to believe that a dog is potentially dangerous or vicious as defined by this
section, a hearing shall be conducted. The director shall prepare a petition
specifying the basis as to why the dog is potentially dangerous or vicious.
(2) A documented complaint must be received from a member of the public which
serves as the evidentiary basis for the director to find probable cause shall be
sworn to and verified by the complainant and shall be attached to the petition.
(3) Prior to commencement of a potentially dangerous dog hearing and if the
allegations of the petition indicate that the dog is potentially dangerous as
defined under Section 20-2.181 (b), the County Administrator or his/her designee
may offer in writing mediation services as an alternative to a hearing provided
both the complainant and the owner/guardian agree in writing to mediation.
Mediation must be concluded within thirty days of the offer to mediate. If
mediation is refused or is unsuccessful, then the matter shall be referred to a
hearing under this subsection.
(4) The County Administrator or his/her designee shall designate a hearing officer
from a panel of up to five persons whose membership shall be designated by the
Board of Supervisors. Hearing officer applicants shall have had a minimum of
five years experience as a practicing attorney and prior experience in
administrative, arbitration or mediation hearings. Prior experience in care and
control of animals shall also be considered but is not necessary. The hearing
officer shall conduct a hearing as described in Section 20-2.122 on whether a
dog shall be declared potentially dangerous or vicious. The hearing officer shall
be compensated for the actual hours devoted to the hearing and its
determination at the County-approved hourly rate for said services.
(5) The County Administrator or his/her designee shall provide written notice to the
owner/guardian of the specific behavior of the dog alleged in the petition and the
date upon which a hearing will be held to consider the petition. The hearing shall
be held within the time limits set forth by the Food and Agricultural Code Section
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31621 or any amendments thereto. The notice shall advise the owner/guardian
of the consequences of a finding of potentially dangerous or vicious. The hearing
shall be open to the public and the hearing officer may admit into evidence all
relevant evidence, and exercise the full scope of authority set forth in Food and
Agricultural Code Section 31621. Service of the notice shall be made in
accordance with Section 1.04.190 of the Marin County Code. Where the
owner/guardian's address of any dog is unknown, notice of the hearing shall be
given by posting the same in the office of the director and by publication in a
newspaper of general circulation. Notice shall then be deemed given on
publication of the notice.
(6)A hearing may be continued if the hearing officer deems it necessary and proper
or upon a showing of good cause.
(7) The time for hearing and the hearing provisions of this subsection shall be
stayed if mediation services are offered pursuant to the provisions of (3) of this
subsection. The time for hearing and the hearing provisions of this subsection
shall recommence at the date the County Administrator or his/her designee has
determined in writing that mediation has not been accepted or has been
unsuccessful.
(8) Complaint(s) from the public serve as the evidentiary basis for the director to
prepare a petition. At least one of the complainants or his or her designee in the
matter must appear and testify at the hearing or the complaint shall be
dismissed.
(9) If the owner/guardian fails to appear at the hearing, the hearing shall
nevertheless proceed and an appropriate order shall be issued.
(10) The hearing officer shall consider all relevant responsible evidence without
regard to the formal rules of evidence, including circumstances of mitigation, and
the record of any prior violations by the owner/guardian.
(11) All witnesses shall testify under oath or affirmation. The oath shall be
administered by the hearing officer. The hearing officer may, when appropriate,
request the production of oral or documentary evidence which is reasonably
necessary and relevant to conduct a hearing. All proceedings shall be tape
recorded.
(12)The hearing officer shall issue a written determination based upon a
preponderance of the evidence, which shall be mailed to the owner/guardian
within seven days after the hearing is completed. A determination that a dog is
potentially dangerous or vicious is subject to a de novo review by the Superior
Cou rt.
(13)lf a dog is found to be potentially dangerous or vicious by a preponderance of
the evidence, the dog shall be so designated on the records of the animal
services agency. Such a designation shall be considered in future determinations
involving the dog and/or owner/guardian.
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(14 )The owner/guardian of a dog for which a potentially dangerous or vicious dog
petition has been issued may irrevocably waive his right to a hearing and any
further appeal under Food and Agricultural Code Section 31622 and accept all
conditions, sanctions and penalties set forth in Food and Agricultural Code
Sections 31641, 31642, and 31643. The County Administrator or his/her
designee will mail a waiver form to the dog owner/guardian. The waiver must be
signed by the dog owner/guardian and received by the County Administrator
within thirty days from the date of agreement to waive, or a hearing will be
scheduled within thirty days of the refusal to sign the agreement to waive.
(15) Obligations for the Owner/Guardian of dogs deemed potentially dangerous.
(i)ln accordance with the provisions of Food and Agricultural Code Section
31641, the owner/guardian of a potentially dangerous dog shall in addition
to the regular licensing fee, pay to the animal control agency an annual
fee as may be established by separate resolution of the Board of
Supervisors for the increased costs of maintaining the records of the dog.
(ii)Within thirty (30) days of the determination that the dog is potentially
dangerous, the owner/guardian of the dog sterilized and deliver proof of
sterilization of the animal to the Animal Services Agency.
(iii) Within thirty (30) days of the determination that a dog is potentially
dangerous, the owner/guardian shall provide a secure and humane
enclosure for the dog on the owner/guardian's property. The dog must be
confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to
prevent the entry of young children. Such pen or structure shall be
constructed such that the dog cannot climb, dig, jump or otherwise escape
of its own volition.
(iv) All dogs found potentially dangerous shall be maintained under
immediate control of a responsible adult by a substantial leash
appropriate for the size of the dog and no more than six feet in length
when off of the property of the owner/guardian.
(v)The owner/guardian of a dog found potentially dangerous under this
Section, who has no additional violations of this Chapter 20 of the Tiburon
Municipal Code, within a thirty-six-month period from the date of
designation as potentially dangerous, shall be removed from the list of
potentially dangerous dogs by the director. The dog may be, but is not
required to be, removed from the list of potentially dangerous dogs prior to
the expiration of the thirty-six-month period if the owner/guardian of the
dog demonstrates to the director that changes in circumstances or
measures taken by the owner/guardian, such as training of the dog, have
mitigated the risk to public safety.
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(16)Obligations for the owner/guardian of a dog deemed vicious
(i) The owner/guardian of a dog determined to be vicious shall, if it is not
subject to destruction, in addition to the regular licensing fee, pay to the
animal control agency an annual fee as may be established by separate
ordinance of the Board of Supervisors to provide for the increased costs
of maintaining the records of the dog.
(ii) The owner/guardian of a dog determined to be vicious shall, if it is not
subject to destruction, at his/her own expense, have the vicious animal
registration number assigned to the dog tattooed upon the dog's left ear
or, if the left ear is not available, on the left inner thigh, by a licensed
veterinarian or a person trained, authorized and licensed to do business
as an animal tattooist. As an alternative to tattooing, an owner/guardian
may have a microchip injected beneath the skin, and between the
shoulder blades of the animal by a licensed veterinarian. The
owner/guardian shall provide proof satisfactory to the Animal Services
Agency of such tattooing or microchipping within thirty days of the vicious
determination.
(iii) The owner/guardian of a vicious dog shall, if it is not subject to
destruction, within ten days of such determination, upon request by the
Animal Services Agency present said animal at the Animal Services
Agency and allow photographs and measurements of the animal to be
taken for purposes of identification.
(iv) Within 30 days of vicious dog determination, the owner/guardian of the
dog, if it is not subject to destruction, shall provide proof to the Animal
Services Agency that the dog is contained in a secure and humane
enclosure for the animal on the owner's property. The animal must be
confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to
prevent the entry of children or unauthorized persons. Such pen or
structure shall be constructed such that the animal cannot climb, dig, jump
or otherwise escape. The pen or structure shall be constructed with
sufficiently strong materials and shall have a top that is secured to the
floor and sides of the enclosure.
(v) Within 30 days of the determination that a dog is vicious, the
owner/guardian of the dog, if it is not subject to destruction, shall provide
proof of sterilization of the dog to the animal services agency.
(vi) The owner/guardian of a dog found vicious under this Section who has no
additional violations of any of the provisions this Chapter 20 of the Tiburon
Municipal Code, after a thirty-six-month period from the date of
designation as vicious, may apply to the director to remove the animal
from the list of vicious animals. The director shall have the discretion to
remove the animal from the list of vicious animals upon proof of the
successful completion of at least eight weeks of formal obedience
training, other similar evidence of training, or other rehabilitative efforts
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designed to mitigate the risk to public safety.
(17)Regulatory measures in addition to those under State law.
The administrative hearing officer shall have the authority to impose any
of the regulatory actions authorized under the Food and Agricultural Code
and this section. To the extent justified by the circumstances, the
administrative hearing officer shall have the authority to impose additional
regulatory restrictions that have a reasonable nexus to the circumstances
of the case which may not be adequately addressed by the normal
statutory remedies. Such measures shall be undertaken in the interests of
public health and safety, and may include, but not be limited to the
following:
1.) Destruction of the dog
2.) Muzzling of the dog
3.) Confinement of the dog
4.) Displaying conspicuously on the owner/guardian's property such signs
as are required by Animal Services and to be obtained at
owner/guardian's expense with a symbol warning of the presence of a
potentially dangerous or vicious dog.
5.) Restrictions upon the owner/guardian of the dog or similar animals
6.) Loss of the right to maintain the dog or similar dogs identified by the
hearing officer
7.) Loss of the ability to take the dog off the confined premises of the
owner/guardian's property
8.) Restrictions upon the animal services business that may be subject to
Animal Services regulation
9.) Similar restrictions upon the dog or dog owner/guardian, or service
provider calculated to prevent further loss of property, risk of harm to
animals or risk to human life
10.) Any measures, not otherwise hereinabove set forth that, are
reasonably calculated to reduce the risk of harm to human life and
safety, or reasonably calculated to prevent property loss or the loss or
harm to animals.
(18) Failure to comply with regulatory measures.
In the event an owner/guardian of a dog fails to comply with the regulatory
measures deemed necessary by an administrative hearing officer, a
further hearing may be convened for the purposes of determining what, if
any, sanctions are appropriately imposed. The procedures for such a
hearing are set forth in 20-2.122(c).
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20-2.182
Prohibition.
No person shall board, have, keep, maintain or have in his/her possession or
control, for any length of time, in any area zoned residential, any wild and/or
undomesticated animal, as defined in Section 20-2.183.
20-2.183
Definition of wild and/or undomesticated animal.
For purposes of Sections 20-2.182 through 20-2.184, a "wild and/or
undomesticated animal" is defined as an animal which is wild by nature and not
customarily domesticated in Marin County and which, because of its size, disposition or
other characteristics could constitute a danger to human life or property. Such wild
and/or undomesticated animals shall be deemed to include but are not exclusive of:
I. Class Mammalia.
A. Order Carnivora.
1. Family Felidae (cat) including but not limited to such members as the
tiger, the jaguar, the leopard, the lion, the serval, the mountain lion, the
bobcat, the ocelot and the cougar, excepting Felis Domesticus
(domestic cat),
2. Family Hyenidae (hyena),
3. Family Urisideae (bear),
4. Family Candidae (dog) excepting Canis Familiaris (domestic dog) and
including but not limited to such members as the wolf, coyote and the
jackal;
B. Order Probscidea (elephant);
C. Order Primata (primates), including but not limited to the chimpanzee, the
baboon, the orangutan, the gibbon, the macaque and the gorilla,
excepting the Family Hominidae (man);
D. Order Artiodactyla, even-toed hoofed mammals such as water buffalo,
camels, elk, moose, deer and antelope, excluding the domesticated
species of the Family Suidae (domestic pig) and Family Bovidae (cattle,
sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas);
E. Order Perissodactyla, odd-toed hoofed mammals including the zebra and
rhinoceros, excluding the domesticated species of the Family Equidae
(horses, donkeys, etc.).
II. Class Reptilia.
A. Order Squamata.
1. Sub-Order Serpentes, all front and rear fanged venomous snakes,
2. Sub-Order Lacertilia, both venomous species of the Family Heloder
Matidae (gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard);
B. Order Crocodilia (crocodile, alligator and caiman).
Animal Services Ordinance (Chapter 20) of Tiburon Municipal Code Adopted 04/16/2008 Page 20 of 30
III. Class Aves.
A. Sub-Order Ratitae, such as, but not limited to, ostriches, rheas,
cassowaries and emus, excluding small caged birds such as parrots,
cockatoos, cockatiels, parakeets, canaries, love birds and finches.
IV. Any other species of the animal kingdom (as opposed to vegetable or
mineral) which is venomous to human beings whether its venom is
transmitted by bite, sting, touch or other means, excepting the honey-
producing bee.)
20-2.184
Remedial Measures.
(a) Impoundment. Any wild and/or undomesticated animal as defined in Section 20-
2.183 of this chapter determined to be in the Town in violation of Section 20-2.182
may be impounded by the Animal Services Agency.
(b) Notice of removal. Whenever the Animal Services Agency causes the
impoundment of such wild and/or undomesticated animal as authorized in Section
20-2.184, the Animal Services Agency shall immediately give notice of such
impoundment, the grounds thereof and the place to which such animal has been
impounded.
(c) Penalty. Any person who boards, has, keeps, maintains, or has in his/her
possession or control, for any length of time, any wild and/or undomesticated animal
in violation of any of the provisions of Sections 20-2.182 through 20-2.184 of this
chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to imprisonment in the
county jail for not more than six months or a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars
or both.
20-2.185 Limitation on number of dogs.
Except as provided in Sections 20-2.245 and 20-2.246 of this Chapter, and other
than legal uses now in existence, it is unlawful for any person to keep or harbor more
than three dogs which are over the age of four months on any lot, premises, dwelling,
building, structure, boat or living accommodation. As used in this section, "lot",
"dwelling", "building" and "structure" have the same meaning as set forth in Title IV,
Chapter 16 of the Tiburon Municipal Code.
20-2.190 Stray animals.
Any person discovering a stray or apparently lost animal shall report the same to
the Animal Services Agency. Any person who apprehends or picks up a stray or lost
animal shall report the same to the Animal Services Agency within eight hours
thereafter and shall release such animal to the Animal Services Agency upon demand.
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20-2.195 Fees for pickup and disposal of dead dogs, cats and small
household pets and wildlife.
A fee, as may be established by separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors,
shall be charged to an owner/guardian of a dead dog, cat or small household pet for the
pickup and disposal of the animal by the Animal Services Agency. Fees as may be
established by separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors, may be charged for
pickup and disposal of dead wildlife under fifty pounds, and a higher fee may be
charged for dead wildlife fifty pounds and over by the Animal Services Agency.
20-2.200 Biting animals to be reported.
The owner/guardian or other person having custody or control of any animal
which bites a human being shall immediately notify the county health officer or the
Animal Services Agency of such bite, giving the name and address of the person bitten,
if known, and shall faithfully obey any quarantine or other regulatory instructions
(including but not limited to the temporary surrender of the deceased animal for testing)
in furtherance of public health given by the health officer or his/her designated
representative. To the extent the regulatory instructions of the health officer reach
beyond the scope of the powers authorized under Health & Safety Code section
121710, violations of duties created under this Code shall be treated as infractions.
20-2.220 Stray livestock-Charges.
Notwithstanding any provisions in this chapter to the contrary, the Agricultural
Code of the state of California, Division 3, Chapter 5, shall be complied with in
reference to stray bovine animals, horses, mules or burros; however, stray animals will
be subject to fees as may be established by separate resolution of the Board of
Supervisors. The Town shall also be entitled to collect for all costs incurred and fees in
connection with such animals, including, but not limited to, the cost of herding,
advertising, transporting, drugs, and veterinary services. The fees for said services may
be established by separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
20-2.225 Prohibition of big cats in residential areas.
It is unlawful for any person to keep, possess, place, store, maintain, control,
house, maintain custody of or board, or for any person to permit another, or to assist
another in keeping, possessing, placing, storing, maintaining, controlling, housing,
keeping custody of or boarding any kind or breed of any live cat (Family Felidae) except
house cats (Felis Domesticus) in any area zoned as residential on the Town of Tiburon
Zoning Map pursuant to Title IV, Chapter 16, Section 16-2.16 of the Tiburon Municipal
Code.
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20-2.226 Feeding of Certain Wild Animals
(a) No person shall intentionally feed or in any manner knowingly provide
food for non-captive wild and/or undomesticated animals as defined in Section 20-
2.183, including, but not limited to, coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, bobcats, raccoons,
skunks, opossums and turkeys.
(b) This Section shall not apply to persons legally engaged in trapping wild
animals with devices utilizing food items as bait pursuant to applicable laws.
20-2.230 Use of animals for exhibits
It is unlawful for any person to operate, conduct or maintain any commercial show,
circus, animal exhibition, carnival or advertising display or device in which any animal,
wild or domestic, is used or kept without first having obtained a permit from the Animal
Services Agency at least thirty days prior to the scheduled event.
(a) The Animal Services Agency shall receive and review applications for
such permits upon the applicant's filing and the payment of the applicable permit fee
imposed for such purposes as may be established by separate resolution of the Board
of Supervisors within thirty (30) days of the filing thereof. Only one fee shall be paid
per application, irrespective of the number of animals or exhibitions for which the
application is made.
(b) The Animal Services Agency, may, in connection with this permit authority
either, establish operating conditions, deny the application or revoke the permit if the
Animal Services Agency can reasonably demonstrate that the conditions imposed upon
issuance of the permit or its denial are necessary to protect the public health and
safety, or provide for the humane care and treatment of any animals used or kept.
(c) [Purposely left blank]
(d) The Animals Services Agency shall make written findings regarding the
conditions imposed with issuance of the permit or written findings and explanation for
denial of the permit within seven (7) business days of receiving the application. The
Animal Services Agency may waive the permit fee when the use of the animals for
exhibit benefits a nonprofit, educational or governmental organization and an inspection
of the exhibit is not necessary. If the Animal Services Agency denies or revokes a
permit, the applicant or permittee may request a hearing in accordance with the
provisions of Section 20-2.241.
20-2.240 Commercial animal establishment.
It is unlawful for any person to operate or maintain any commercial animal
establishment without first obtaining a permit. An annual permit fee may be established
by separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors. Such permit shall expire on the last
day of the twelfth month from the date of issue. In the event that application for renewal
is not made on or before the date of expiration, a delinquency charge, as may be
established by separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors, may be assessed. For
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every calendar month of delinquency, an additional fee may be assessed if such a fee
is established by separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
The Animal Services Agency shall, in connection with the issuance of any such permit,
establish such conditions as may be necessary to provide for the humane care and
treatment of animals. The Animal Services Agency may deny or revoke such permit
when necessary to insure public safety and the humane care or treatment of animals.
20-2.241 Hearing regarding permits for use of animals for exhibits.
A request for a hearing shall be in writing and filed with the Animal Services
Agency no later than seven (7) days following transmittal of the Animal Services
Agency's decision and accompanying findings and conditions with findings to the
permittee. Animal Services Agency shall set the hearing for a date no later than ten
(10) days after its receipt of the request for hearing. The hearing shall be held by the
hearing officer (County Administrator or his/her designee). The hearing officer shall
render a decision within 10 days following completion of the hearing. The decision of
the hearing officer shall be final.
20-2.245 Dog hobbyists.
(a) Regulations. The Animal Services Agency is authorized and directed to
adopt and to submit for approval to the Board of Supervisors regulations concerning
dog hobbyist activities.
(b) Permit. An individual who wants to qualify as a dog hobbyist must apply for a
permit from the Animal Services Agency. A permit shall be issued if after
investigation, the Animal Services Agency determines that the applicant is a bona
fide dog hobbyist, maintains appropriate premises for the proper confinement and
control of dogs. The Animal Services Agency must determine that issuance of a
permit will not create a nuisance in the neighborhood in which the activity is
proposed, and in all other respects complies with the regulations adopted by the
Animal Services Agency pertaining to dog hobbyists. Permits may be issued subject
to such conditions as the Animal Services Agency determines are necessary to
protect the public health and welfare and to avoid the creation of a nuisance or
public health hazard.
(c) Hearings. Any applicant, permittee or other interested party aggrieved by
the issuance, revocation or modification of a permit may request a hearing provided by
Section 20-2.122. A request for a hearing or mediation shall be in writing and filed with
the Animal Services Agency not later than thirty (30) working days following transmittal
of the Animal Services Agency's decision to the applicant or permittee. Upon conclusion
of the hearing, the presiding officer shall issue an appropriate order sustaining,
modifying or setting aside the determination of the Animal Services Agency.
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(d) Revocation of Permit. A permit may be revoked, or continued, subject to
limited conditions of use, if the Animal Services Agency determines that any of the
following conditions exist:
(1) The permittee has violated the provisions of this chapter twice in one license
year.
(2) The permittee has been convicted of cruelty to animals.
(3) The permittee has failed to comply with the conditions of the permit.
(4) Continuation of the permit will create a public nuisance or health hazard.
(5) Continuation of the permit will create a nuisance in the neighborhood in which
the permit has been issued.
(e) Fees and Licenses. The Animal Services Agency shall collect a fee for the
issuance of each dog hobbyist permit as may be established by separate resolution
of the Board of Supervisors. The issuance of a dog hobbyist permit shall include
provision of an individual license for each dog harbored under the permit at no
additional charge.
(f) Confinement. All dogs under the control of a dog hobbyist must be confined to
the owner's/guardian's property at all times, except when removed for training,
recreational use or exhibition, at which times they must be under the immediate
control of the permittee or agent.
20-2.246 Ranch dog permittees.
The provisions and regulations provided in Section 20-2.245 for dog hobbyists
shall govern and apply to all ranch dog permittees. The fees and license requirements
for any ranch dog permittee shall be the same as provided in Section 20-2.245 for dog
hobbyists.
20-2.250 Sale of animals for experimentation.
The Animal Services Agency or anyone employed thereof shall not knowingly
sell or give any impounded animal to any person, firm, corporation, association or
school for the purpose of animal experimentation. No person, firm, corporation,
association or school shall by fraud, misrepresentation or coercion induce the Animal
Services Agency or anyone employed thereof to sell or give away any impounded
animal for the purpose of animal experimentation.
20-2.252 Animals and vehicles.
(a) No person, other than an individual actually working a dog for ranching
purposes, shall transport or carry, on any public highway or public roadway any dog
in a motor vehicle, unless the animal is safely enclosed within the vehicle or
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Page 25 of 30
protected by a cap or container, cage or other device that will prevent the dog from
falling from, being thrown from, or jumping from the motor vehicle.
(b) No person shall leave an animal in an unattended vehicle without adequate
ventilation, or in such a manner as to subject the animal to extreme temperatures
which adversely affect the animal's health or welfare.
20-2.255 Senior citizen, blind or disabled persons discount on specified fees.
(a) Senior citizens age sixty-two and older, blind or disabled persons, upon satisfactory
proof to the Animal Services Agency may be entitled to a fee discount for specified
town and county fees referenced in this chapter.
(b) For purposes of this section a person shall be considered to be disabled if that
person is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last
for a continuous period of not less than twelve months, and only if the physical or
mental impairments are of such severity that person is not only unable to do his or
her previous type of work, but cannot, considering age, education and work
experience, engage in any kind of substantial gainful work.
(c) A person shall be considered blind if there has been a medical determination of
either of the following conditions:
(1 ) Central vision acu ity (sharpness of vision) of no more than 20/200 with
correction; or
(2) Tunnel vision, which is limited visual field of twenty degrees or less.
Article III. Livestock----Miscellaneous regulations
20-3.010 Unaccompanied livestock on streets prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person controlling the possession of any livestock, to
voluntarily or negligently permit any such livestock to stray upon or remain
unaccompanied by a person in charge or control thereof upon any street.
20-3.020 Nighttime herding of livestock on streets regulated.
It is unlawful for any person to drive any such livestock upon, over or across any
public street between the hours of sunset and sunrise without keeping a sufficient
number of herders on continual duty to open the road so as to permit the passage of
vehicles.
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Article IV.
Hunting, running of deer
20-4.005 Hunting.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any individual engaged in
hunting activities during the periods authorized and in the manner authorized by the
California Fish and Game Code and the California Administrative Code.
20-4.010 Permitting dogs to run deer.
Every owner/guardian or claimant of any dog who suffers or permits any dog to
hunt, chase, or kill deer in the Town shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
20-4.020 Allowing certain dogs at large.
Every owner/guardian or claimant of any dog accustomed to or having the
propensity to hunt, chase, course or kill deer who suffers or permits such hound or
hounds or other dogs to go or run at large in the Town shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Article V. Regulation of Horses
20-5.1
Short title.
This article may be known and cited as the Horse License Ordinance.
20-5.2
Purpose of article.
This article is adopted to establish licensing requirements for the keeping of
horses and to regulate the keeping and maintenance thereof in order to protect and
promote the public health, safety, welfare, comfort and convenience, while permitting
residents to keep horses under appropriate conditions. This article is intended to
provide a basis for safe and healthful conditions. It is the intent that the regulations not
be applied arbitrarily, and for this reason specific provisions are included authorizing
exceptions after public hearing before the town council.
20 -5.3
Definitions.
For the purpose of this article, certain words and phrases are defined as follows
and certain provisions shall be construed as herein set forth unless it shall be apparent
from the context that they have a different meaning.
"Corral" means a fenced area for the confinement of horses. Any fenced area
with less than one acre of net land in which any horse is kept shall be deemed to be a
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corral, but the minimum area in which each horse may be confined shall be six hundred
square feet.
"Horse" means any member of the horse family including, but not limited to,
donkeys and mules.
Horse, maintenance for private use. "Maintenance for private use horse" means
the keeping of horses by residents of the town for private use, not for hire or rental and
not primarily for remuneration or sale.
"Horse stable" means a building or portion thereof designed or used for the
housing or feeding of horses.
"Pasture" means a fenced plot of ground other than a corral used for the
confinement of horses.
20-5.4
Compliance with article and zoning ordinance required.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain or cause to be maintained in the
town, any horse except in conformance with the provisions of this article and with the
provisions of the zoning ordinance. No horse shall be kept without obtaining a permit
pursuant to the requirements of this article.
20 -5.5
Use permit required.
No horse may be kept or maintained within the town without the owner first
obtaining a conditional use permit pursuant to Title IV, Chapter 16, Section 16-4.4 of
the Tiburon Municipal Code.
20-5.6
Horse permit--Required.
No horse may be kept or maintained in the town without the owner obtaining a
permit under the provisions of this article.
20-5.7 General requirements.
(a) Compliance required. All horses shall be kept in a corral or stable meeting the
requirements of this article, unless kept in a pasture under conditions meeting
the requirements of this article.
(b) Construction of pastures, corrals and stables.
(1) All corrals and pastures shall be enclosed by a substantial fence.
(2) Corrals for the enclosure of stallions shall conform to the state statutes
and regulations governing safety fencing.
(3) All new stables shall be built in conformance with the building code of the
town.
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(c) Fire protection. The keeping of horses, and buildings and structures for this
purpose, shall conform to the fire protection standards and policies of the town
and the fire district.
(d) Drainage. Every parcel of land upon which horses are maintained shall be well
drained. The surface of all corrals or enclosures shall be graded so as to prevent
the accumulation of storm or casual waters, and so as to prevent erosion of top
soil into watercourses or drainage ditches or conduits.
(e) Sanitary conditions. It is declared to be a nuisance, and it is unlawful, to keep
any horses on premises which, in the opinion of a health officer, are in an
unsanitary or unhealthy condition.
(f) Inspections. All premises for which a permit is issued shall be subject to
inspection by town officials, and the holder of any permit shall agree to such
inspections as a condition of the granting of such permit.
20-5.8 Maintenance of horses for private use.
The maintenance of horses for private use, not for hire or rental and not primarily for
remuneration or sale, shall be subject to the procedures, regulations and requirements
set forth in this section in addition to the general requirements of this article.
Location and area requirements shall be as follows:
(a) The minimum lot area upon which one or two horses may be kept shall be one
acre. An additional horse may be kept on each additional one-half acre.
(b) The minimum area in which each horse may be confined shall be six hundred
square feet.
(c) The distance of a stable from a neighboring house shall be not less than eighty
feet.
(d) The minimum distance of a stable building from any neighboring parcel line or
from any street or residence on the same lot, shall be not less than forty feet.
(e) The minimum distance of a pasture or corral from any neighboring parcel line or
street parcel line shall be ten feet, or such greater distance as the applicable
zoning ordinance provision may provide.
(f) Stable buildings shall be so sited or constructed as to not present an unsightly
appearance to neighboring properties.
Section 3. Severabilitv.
If any section, subsection, clause, sentence, or phrase of this Ordinance is for
any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a Court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the
Ordinance. The Town Council of the Town of Tiburon hereby declares that it would
have passed this Ordinance, any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase
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thereof, irrespective of the fact that anyone or more sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses, or phrases may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 4. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after the date of
adoption. Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 36933, a summary
of this ordinance shall be prepared by the Town Attorney. At least five (5) days prior to
the Town Council meeting at which adoption of the ordinance is scheduled, the Town
Clerk shall (1) publish the summary in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of
Tiburon, and (2) post in the office of the Town Clerk a certified copy of this ordinance.
Within fifteen (15) days after the adoption of this ordinance, the Town Clerk shall (1)
publish the summary in an newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Tiburon, and
(2) post in the office of the Town Clerk a certified copy of the full text of the ordinance
along with the names of those Council members voting for and against the ordinance.
This ordinance was read and introduced at a regular meeting of the Town
Council of the Town of Tiburon, held on April 2, 2008, and was read adopted at a
regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon on April 16, 2008, which
was noticed pursuant to Government Code sections 50022.3 and 6066, by the following
vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
Berger, Collins, Fredericks, Gram, Slavitz
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
None
ATTEST:
, ~)/, I / 7
./ / c~, l'~..;/~i:! _ ,.), , /
DIANE CRANI;.!AdOPI, TOWN CLERK
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