§ 4494-3. Rooster keeping.

(a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Ventura County Ordinance Code, no person shall keep, maintain, control or harbor five (5) or more roosters on any parcel of real property within unincorporated Ventura County. This Section shall not apply to commercial poultry ranches whose primary commodity is the production of eggs or meat for sale as permitted by the County, public or private schools as registered with the California Department of Education, or nonprofit humane organization animal facilities.

Future Farmers of America (FFA) or 4-H sponsored projects or legitimate poultry hobbyists may have up to five (5) roosters of the same breed for a maximum of twenty-five (25) roosters kept or maintained on any property in Ventura County, provided that such projects or hobbyists are approved in writing by the Ventura County Animal Services Director or any person authorized to act on behalf of Ventura County Animal Services.

(b)

The limit imposed under subdivision (a) is suspended until March 11, 2019, to allow a property owner or any person occupying or leasing the property or the premises of another reasonable time to reduce the number of roosters kept on the property.

(c)

Each individual rooster beyond the rooster limit constitutes a separate violation.

(d)

Rooster enclosures shall have a minimum set back from adjacent residences of forty (40) feet.

(e)

Nothing in the foregoing is to be construed as approving the keeping of any poultry in contravention of any statute, zoning ordinance or other law.

(f)

At all times, roosters shall be provided:

(1)

Access to water and shelter from the elements (rain, wind, direct sun, etc.); and

(2)

Sufficient room to spread both wings fully and to be able to turn in a complete circle without any impediment and without touching the side of an enclosure; and

(3)

Clean and sanitary premises that are kept in good repair.

(g)

The Ventura County Animal Services Director shall establish written regulations and standards necessary to carry out the intent of this Article and shall condition any approval on compliance with the written regulations and standards, including the number of roosters. The number of roosters allowed to be kept within a rooster keeping permit will be determined according to the factors related to public health, welfare and safety, including parcel size, proximity to neighbors, sanitation and ability to meet animal care standards as set forth in Section 4494-3. Failure of any property owner or any person occupying or leasing the property or premises of another to comply with any of the provisions of this Article, applicable law, or the regulations and standards of Ventura County Animal Services shall constitute good cause for the denial of any approval, either original or renewal, or for its revocation.

(Ord. No. 4535, § 2, 12-11-2018)