HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Information Handoutrentonwa.gov/permitcenter | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/20/2022 Page 1 of 2
CITY OF RENTON Ι PERMIT CENTER
REQUIREMENTS FOR KEEPING PETS
AND OTHER ANIMALS
HOW MANY ANIMALS AM I ALLOWED TO HAVE OUTRIGHT AT MY PROPERTY?
It depends on the type of animal and the size of your lot.
TYPE OF ANIMAL MAXIMUM NUMBER ALLOWED OUTRIGHT
(without an Additional Animals Permit)
Household Pets includes: dogs, cats, caged indoor birds
and small rodents. Non-venomous reptiles and amphibians
weighing less than ten pounds
3* per dwelling or commercial building regardless of lot size. A pet
license is required from the City Finance Department for each cat
or dog.
Small Lot Domestic Animals includes: chickens, ducks,
geese, and pigeons
3 on lots that are at least 4,500 gross sq ft in size. On lots that are
larger than 4,500 gross sq ft, 1 additional small lot domestic ani-
mal may be kept per additional 1,000 gross sq ft.
Medium Lot Domestic Animals includes: miniature goats
that are smaller than 24 inches at the shoulder and/or not
more than 150 lbs in weight and sheep
2 on lots that are at least 12,500 gross sq ft in size. On lots that
are larger than 12,500 gross sq ft, 1 additional medium lot domes-
tic animal may be kept per additional 7,500 gross sq ft.
Large Lot Domestic Animals includes: goats, and pigs
Extra Large Lot Domestic Animals includes: horses, don-
keys, cows, and llamas
2 on lots that are at least 1 gross acre in size. On lots that are
larger than one gross acre, 1 additional large lot domestic animal
may be kept per additional 43,560 gross sq ft.
ARE THERE STANDARDS THAT I MUST FOLLOW IN KEEPING ANIMALS AT MY PROPERTY?
Briefly, the animals must not constitute a nuisance or cause a public disturbance. The City also has the following
detailed standards:
1.Shelter Location and Setbacks: Shelters, pens, and permanent/temporary kennels structures shall be located a
minimum of ten feet (10’) from any property line and must be in the rear yard. The Planning Division may grant an
exemption from this ten feet (10’) setback requirement if the owner/tenant can provide sufficient information that
a side yard would be a better location.
2.Barn and Stable Location and Setbacks: Barns, kennels and stables shall be located a minimum of fifty feet (50’)
from any property line. Barns and stables may not be located in attached garages or carports.
3.Confinement Required: All animals shall be kept and maintained in a manner which confines their movement and
activity to the premises of the owner/tenant.
a.Fencing Required: Dog-runs, open-run areas, and permanent/temporary kennel structures shall be
surrounded by a fence of adequate height (as to preclude escape) and in compliance with the City’s fencing
regulations.
4.Health and Safety: All animals shall be kept in such a manner so as not to create any objectionable noise, odor, or
otherwise cause to annoy or become a public nuisance to the health, safety, or general welfare of any person.
Provision shall be made to ensure that animal food stored outdoors will not attract rodents or insects.
rentonwa.gov/permitcenter | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/20/2022 Page 2 of 2
ANIMAL INFORMATION HANDOUT
5. Animal Waste and Food Waste: Animal waste shall be properly disposed of, and any accumulated animal waste
must not be stored within the shelter setback area. Any storage of animal waste must not constitute a nuisance.
Provision shall be made for the removal of animal and food wastes so that the confinement area and shelter are
kept free from infestation of insects, rodents, or disease, as well as to prevent odors.
ARE THERE ANY ANIMALS THAT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO KEEP?
Animals that are wild or dangerous are prohibited pursuant to RMC 6-6-12. Additionally, RMC 4-11-010A prohibits the
keeping of roosters and/or peacocks.
CAN I HAVE A PET OR ANIMAL-RELATED BUSINESS AT MY HOME?
Possibly, although no kennels or pet boarding is allowed in residential zones (RMC 4-9-090F). However, if you are able
to comply with the other provisions of RMC 4-9-090, Home Occupations, you may be able to apply for and obtain a
home occupation business license for another type of business (i.e. cheese making/selling) depending on the type and
intensity of your proposed business.
WHAT IF I WANT TO KEEP MORE EXTRA LARGE ANIMALS (HORSES, LLAMAS, COWS) THAN IS NORMALLY
ALLOWED?
Unless you purchased your property from someone with an existing Additional Animals Permit, you must have a
minimum of 20,000 square feet of lot area to request an additional animals permit for Extra Large Lot Animals. To keep
these animals, you must apply for and be granted an 'Additional Animals Permit'. The number of animals possible varies
by lto size and whether or not you have a covered area and stable: