A. License Required. A person must apply for a hobby kennel license if the person owns, keeps, or maintains five or more unaltered dogs and/or cats over six months of age. Hobby kennels containing any unaltered dogs or cats shall be licensed annually before or during the month of July or within 30 days of commencement of operation. A person owning up to 10 dogs and/or cats all of which are altered may apply for a lifetime hobby kennel license for those animals.

B. License Expiration. Hobby kennel licenses shall expire on June 30th of each year.

C. License Fee. The annual license fee for a hobby kennel shall be as established by resolution. Lifetime hobby kennel license fees for kennels containing up to 10 altered animals shall be as established by resolution. There shall be an additional fee as established by resolution if the license is not obtained by July 31st.

D. Proration of License Fee. Upon commencement of operation, the initial license fee for a hobby kennel shall be prorated according to the number of months remaining in the license year.

E. License Application. An application for a hobby kennel license shall be made to the animal control authority and shall contain the following:

1. The name, address and telephone number of the applicant;

2. A diagram in approximate scale showing the property and structures for which the license is sought;

3. A diagram of the kennel facility;

4. A description of the uses to which the properties surrounding the proposed hobby kennel are devoted; and

5. The number and breeds of dogs and/or cats for which the license is sought.

F. License Issuance. The animal control authority shall issue the license or renewal thereof if the license fee is paid, if the application meets the requirements of subsection E of this section, and if, upon inspection, the existing or proposed hobby kennel is compatible with the uses of property in the surrounding area, would not create a burdensome annoyance to those in the vicinity, and would not cause a significant risk to health. In applying the foregoing standards, the animal control authority shall consider the layout and construction of the hobby kennel, setbacks, fencing, screening, soundproofing and appropriate sanitation procedures to prevent disease, infestation and foul odors. A license may be issued subject to conditions in the nature of physical alterations and improvements if the conditions would bring the hobby kennel within the foregoing standards. As a part of a hobby kennel license, the licensee shall receive a license tag for each dog or cat owned by the licensee. No further licensing is required for such animals.

G. Limitations Upon Number of Dogs/Cats. No hobby kennel shall have more than ten dogs or cats without the written consent of the animal control authority. A person desiring more than ten dogs or cats must seek permission in writing from the animal control authority. In considering such a request, the animal control authority shall consider the characteristics of the breed and the layout and surroundings of the kennel. Permission to have more than ten dogs or cats may be granted only if the increased number would not make the hobby kennel incompatible with the uses of property in the surrounding area.

H. Inspections. Prior to the issuance of a hobby kennel license or any renewal thereof, the animal control authority shall inspect the applicant’s premises at a mutually convenient time. The purpose of the inspection shall be to determine if the hobby kennel does or can meet the standards set forth in subsection F of this section.

I. Revocation. A hobby kennel license may be revoked by the animal control authority if the hobby kennel is operating in violation of subsection F or G of this section.

J. Exemption. An animal welfare organization foster home which has been issued a permit under BIMC 6.08.034 shall be exempt from hobby kennel license requirements; provided, that all personally owned animals shall be licensed in accordance with this chapter. (Ord. 2019-13 § 12, 2019; Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)