Timeline

*As engagement dates are decided, this page will undergo updates*

Key Engagement Strategies

The following identifies multiple public engagement strategies that will be utilized to ensure public interaction and feedback to develop the Animal Husbandry code update based on what the citizens of the City of Port Angeles would like, while keeping within the restrictions that exist and the concerns that the city should govern. 

Staff is proposing to provide public outreach for the draft code amendment in several different forms:  

• Developing a dedicated webpage for the update. 
• Attending Public events and locations as a listening post. 
• Sharing outreach opportunities on Facebook. 
• Presenting at various stakeholder organization meetings. 
• Public Outreach will be conducted at the following locations concurrently with the Comprehensive Plan outreach: 
• Comprehensive Plan Pop-Up events.

Outreach to be scheduled:

• Meet with Key Stakeholders, such as Clallam County, Peninsula Friends of Animals, Olympic Peninsula Humane Society, Washington State University Clallam County Extension, Hobby Farmers, Environmental Advocates, and City residents. 
• Staff presentation at the Port Angeles Association of Realtors' monthly meeting. 
• Staff presentation at the Port Angeles Business Association monthly meeting. 
• Staff presentation at the Builders Roundtable. 

Goals and Objectives:

The Planning Commission 2025-2026 workplan includes updates to the City’s municipal zoning code (Title 17) to address to animal husbandry practices within the city. To ensure that the updates appropriately address land use allowances and restrictions associated with animal husbandry practices staff has provided the following six goals and objectives:  

Goal 1: Regulatory Clarity 

• Objective 1.1: Review existing municipal code related to animal husbandry to identify ambiguities and gaps. 
• Objective 1.2: Draft updated regulations defining allowed animal husbandry practices within city limits. 
• Objective 1.3: Publish and disseminate updated guidelines and regulations to all stakeholders, including residents and enforcement agencies.

Goal 2: Equitable Access 

• Objective 2.1: Conduct outreach to diverse community members to understand their needs and challenges related to animal husbandry. 
• Objective 2.2: Implement measures to ensure equitable access to animal husbandry activities.

Goal 3: Safety and Compliance 

• Objective 3.1: Establish health and safety standards that residents must adhere to, including animal welfare, hygiene, and waste management. 
• Objective 3.2: Implement enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulations. 
• Objective 3.3: Provide educational resources and training programs for residents on regulatory compliance and best practices.

Goal 4: Community Integration 

• Objective 4.1: Hold public hearings to gather input on the scope and approach of animal husbandry practices from residents. 
• Objective 4.2: Incorporate community feedback into the regulatory update process to balance individual interests with community needs.

Goal 5: Promotion of Local Economy 

• Objective 5.1: Promote local sourcing and sustainable practices among residents engaged in animal husbandry through incentives or requirements. 
• Objective 5.2: Explore opportunities for residents to participate in local events and markets to stimulate economic activity.

Goal 6: Flexibility and Innovation 

• Objective 6.1: Allow for flexibility in animal husbandry practices to accommodate diverse resident needs and preferences. 
• Objective 6.2: Encourage innovation in animal husbandry methods. 
• Objective 6.3: Periodically review and update regulations to adapt to changing trends and advancements in animal husbandry 

Preliminary Code Research  

This preliminary research is a foundational step in reviewing and potentially updating the City of Port Angeles' zoning code (Title 17) concerning animal husbandry practices within city limits. Urban animal husbandry regulations in Washington State vary by city, with each municipality establishing specific guidelines to balance the keeping of animals with community standards. Below is a history of animal husbandry regulations in Port Angeles and an overview of current regulations from several Washington cities: 

Port Angeles 

• Ord. 552, 1916: Defining Animals in the context of acting as a type of vehicle. 
• Ord 665, 1921: Prohibition of driving or herding animals upon any street. 
• Ord 673, 1921: Defining animal nuisances. 
• Ord 682, 1921: Creation of pet licensing. 
• Ord 707, 1922: Proper disposal of animals. 
• Ord 911, 1930: Appurtenant structures for animals. 
• Ord 1162, 1946: Creation of the City Pound. 
• Ord 1205, 1948: Defining animal trespass. 
• Ord 1622, 1967: Regulating the riding of horses in city limits. 
• Ord 1667, 1969: Noise nuisance regulation that includes any bird or animal. 
• Ord 1859, 1975: Regulation of animals in public parks. 
• Ord 2475, 1988: Creation of Title 7 – Animals. 
• Ord 2551, 1989: Regulation of commercial animal husbandry practices in the IL, Industrial Light zone. 
• Ord 2655, 1991: Creation of Chapter 15.24 – Wetlands Protection excluding domestic animal interaction. 
• Ord 3053, 2000: Defining and exempting house pets from animal husbandry regulations 
• Ord 3565, 2016: Prohibition of horse riding on trails within city limits 

Regulatory Options 

There are several ways that cities in Washington State define and regulate animal husbandry practices: 

Definitions

• House pets: House pets are generally domestic animals that are for companionship within a household. They can include dogs, cats, rodents, birds, reptiles, arachnids and fish. 
• Insects: Insects can be considered “micro” or “mini” livestock and generally include honeybees used to pollinate gardens and flowers or for honey. They are typically housed in a constructed hive. 
• Chickens and other Fowl: Includes birds meant for egg production, pest abatement, and meat that are housed free range, in a “run”, and/or in a coop.  
• Small Livestock: Small livestock may include animals such as sheep, goats, swine, and rabbits that have sheltered spaces and roam outdoors 
• Large Livestock: Large livestock includes horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, llamas, and alpacas that have sheltered spaces and roam outdoors. 

Regulations

Regulations for animal husbandry include types of animals allowed; the number of animals allowed; the required size of a property for a type or number of animals; setbacks for grazing, fencing, and structures; and the height of structures associated with the animals. 

General Statewide Resources 

• Washington State Department of Agriculture Animals, Livestock, and Pets FAQ  
• MRSC Guidance on Livestock and other Farm Animals 

Enumclaw 

• EMC Title 7 - Animals 
• Domestic Animals: No minimum lot size; up to four domestic animals may be kept in a home.  
• Poultry: Allowed in all zoning districts without a minimum lot size. Lots under one acre may keep up to six fowl (excluding roosters). One rooster is allowed per lot over one acre. 
• Livestock: Minimum lot size is 21,780 square feet (half an acre) for the first animal, with additional space required for more animals. 

Kirkland 

• Kirkland Zoning Code 115.20 – Animals in Residential Zones 
• Common Household Pets: Residents may keep up to three dogs or cats, or a combination totaling four. Up to four rabbits are permitted. Enclosures must be at least 5 feet from property lines. 
• Bees: Lots between 7,200 and 15,000 square feet may have up to two beehives; larger lots can have more, with specific limits based on size. Hives must be 25 feet from property lines.  
• Chickens and Fowl: In low-density zones, up to three chickens or fowl are allowed, with additional chickens permitted on larger lots. Roosters are prohibited.  
• Horses and Farm Animals: Allowed under specific conditions related to lot size and zoning. Detailed regulations apply to the number of animals and facility requirements.  

Seattle 

• Animal Codes FAQ 
• SMC 23.42.052 – Keeping of Animals  
• SMC 23.84A.002 – “A” Agricultural Definition 
• Small Animals: A maximum of three small animals (e.g., dogs, cats) is allowed, unless the property exceeds 20,000 square feet.  
• Domestic Fowl: Up to eight domestic fowl are permitted, with more allowed on lots over 10,000 square feet. Roosters are prohibited.  
• Miniature Goats and Small Potbelly Pigs: Permitted with limitations; they count toward the three small animal maximum.  
• Farm Animals: Larger livestock (e.g., cows, horses) are allowed only on lots over 20,000 square feet. 
• Beekeeping: Permitted subject to code restrictions.

 Sequim 

• SMC 6.08 Livestock 
• SMC 6.04 – Dogs and Cats  
• Dogs and Cats: 
  • All dogs over six months old must be licensed within the city.  
• Cat licensing is voluntary.  
  • Owners are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing nuisances. 
• Livestock: 
  • Livestock cannot roam at large 
  • Livestock not allowed to be herded in public ROW in a stock restricted area without an appropriate number of people in attendance. 
  • Horses not allowed to be ridden in restricted areas, at night in ROW, or in City parks. 
• Inherently Dangerous Animals: 
  • The keeping of inherently dangerous animals is prohibited within city limits.  
• Zoning Considerations: 
  • Property zoning designations determine the types and numbers of animals allowed. 

Shoreline

• Animal Regulations FAQ
• Dogs and Cats: No limit for altered cats kept indoors. Unaltered cats and dogs are limited to three per household on lots under 20,000 square feet, with allowances for additional animals on larger lots.  
• Chickens and Rabbits: Up to six animals (e.g., 4 hens and 2 rabbits) are allowed on smaller lots. Larger lots may have more, based on size.  
• Bees: Up to four hives are permitted on sites less than 20,000 square feet, with specific placement requirements.  
• Small Livestock: Limited to three per household on lots under 20,000 square feet, including the household's dogs and outdoor cats.  
• Large Livestock: Minimum lot area of two acres, with each animal requiring half an acre.  

Snohomish 

• Chickens and Livestock Property requirements chart 
• SMC 7.04.060 - Livestock 
• Chickens and Fowl: Lots between 5,000 and 19,999 square feet may have up to five chickens or other fowl under five pounds. Larger lots may have additional fowl based on size. Roosters are prohibited.  
• Livestock: Allowed on lots over 40,000 square feet, with specific limits on the number of animals based on lot size.