ASK THE CITY: What Are The Rules Regarding Small, Farm-Type Animals?

I just wanted to know what the city codes are in regards to small, farm-type animals, such as, chickens, goats, pigs etc.  I’m sure they’re not allowed in a suburban development, however, there must be areas in the city where they are allowed.

Patch got this question from a user earlier this week. We contacted University Place Planning Director David Swindale, who pointed us to the city's municipal code, which dedicates an entire section to agricultural uses and animals.

First, a quick University Place definition of livestock: all cattle, sheep, goats, or animals of the bovidae family; all horses, mules, or animals of the equidae family; all pigs, swine, or animals of the suidae family; and ostriches, rhea, and emu.

Now, as far as those rules. Basically, the city prohibits livestock on any lot that's less than an acre. It allows up to two animals under 2 years old on any lot between 1 acre to 2 acres. On lots bigger than 2 acres, UP allows one, count 'em one, additional animal per acre.

There are other regulations regarding fencing, enclosed structures and other stuff that you have to follow if you want to raise livestock, but that's the basic gist.

Now, as far as chickens, pigeons, peacocks, rabbits, etc., University Place defines them as small animals, which includes any animals and birds except for livestock, wild animals and exotics. (You can look up the definitions of those terms, but sorry Mike Tyson, you can't raise wild tigers in your house)

Again, University Place has rules for small animals. They need to be kept in hutches, pens or similar enclosures that need to be 35 feet from your property line. UP allows up to 12 of them per acre.

Also, aviaries and lofts must be large enough for 1 square foot per bird, and it can't exceed 600 square feet in size.

Well, there you go, University Place Patch users. I hope this helps. If you have a question that you've wanted to ask the city, send it to me and I'll ask it for ya. No charge.