HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Rules Concerning Dog Ownership in City Limits
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: Rules Concerning Dog Ownership in City Limits
Meeting Date: December 14, 2005 Agenda Item Number: B
Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Mike McKerrow
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5251
ISSUE STATEMENT
Eugene’s land use code restricts the number of adult dogs, six months and older, to two dogs per
residence. The existing definition of kennel has been identified for possible revision to allow more than
two dogs on a residential property.
BACKGROUND
Since 1968, kennels have been defined as keeping three or more adult dogs on a premise. Kennels are
not allowed in residential zones. The effect is to prohibit residents from having more than two adult
dogs in their home. No modifications to this definition were proposed in the land use code update in
2001.
Staff has received an average of eight complaints per year over the last three years about the number of
dogs on a property. All complaints involved single-family residential lots and the negative effects of
barking. One-third of the complaints cited obnoxious or vicious behavior by the dog(s) while just a few
mentioned accumulation of dog feces and odor. Almost 40 percent of the complaints involved a case
with three adult dogs. Another approximately 40 percent of the cases involved four or five adult dogs.
The remainder of cases involved between seven and 16 dogs. About two-thirds of the cases were
resolved with phone calls or information letters. The other third were resolved after sending a correction
notice. No fines were levied as part of these investigations.
The City does not track complaints involving one or two dogs on a property, as no zoning violation is
involved. Customers with complaints about barking, dog at large, or dog biting incidents are referred to
Lane County Animal Regulation Authority.
The City of Springfield allows a maximum of three dogs on residential property. Salem enforces illegal
businesses in residential zones such as a commercial kennel, dog day care, or a commercial breeder, but
Salem’s code does not define kennel.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The council adopted a new land use code in 2001 after a comprehensive review. The new code balanced
the goal of increasing residential density with the goal of enhancing livability by limiting negative
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impacts from neighbors. The kennel definition was identified for discussion after the minor land use
code amendment process already was initiated.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The council may direct the City Manager to revise the definition of kennel to allow more than two dogs
on a residential property or take no action and leave the existing definition as it is.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends modifying the definition of kennel to allow three adult dogs on a
residential property. A kennel would be defined as keeping four or more adult dogs. The modification
can be included in the second phase of the land use code amendment process to begin this winter with
the Planning Commission.
The recommendation would allow a resident to have three adult female dogs, each with a litter of
puppies, all at the same time. While not common, such a situation may produce impacts to adjoining
neighbors. Limiting this potential impact to three adult dogs rather than a higher number appears
appropriate.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to direct the City Manager to provide a new kennel definition allowing up to three adult dogs on a
residential property in the package of proposed code amendments for consideration during the next
phase of the land use code amendment process.
ATTACHMENTS
None
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Mike McKerrow
Telephone: 682-5251
Staff E-Mail: mike.j.mckerrow@ci.eugene.or.us
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