CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO

 

ORDINANCE NO. 4554

 

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21.04.030(a)

OF THE GRAND JUNCTION MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD USE-SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR RACING PIGEONS

 

 

Recitals:

 

On April 5, 2010 the Grand Junction City Council adopted the updated 2010 Zoning and Development Code, codified as Title 21 of the Grand Junction Municipal Code of Ordinances.

 

The Grand Junction City Council encourages updating of the Zoning and Development Code in order to maintain its effectiveness and responsiveness to the citizens’ best interests.

 

Section 21.04.030(a) provides rules and regulations for the keeping of agricultural animals, household pets and other animals. Use-specific standards are required when appropriate to ensure that the keeping of animals shall not become a nuisance, hazard and/or create a public health problem. The amendment adds use-specific standards for racing pigeons to allow the keeping of such birds in the City in a way that will ensure that they do not become a nuisance, hazard and/or create a public health problem for the community.

 

The City Council finds that it promotes the health, safety and welfare of the community to allow the keeping of racing pigeons in the City in a manner that protects the rights of property owners in the neighborhood and community and to provide clear standards for maintaining racing pigeons to prevent them from becoming a nuisance, hazard and/or public health problem.

 

The City Council also finds that the amendment is consistent with reasonable neighborhood expectations.

 

After public notice and a public hearing as required by the Charter and Ordinances of the City, the Grand Junction Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed amendment for the following reasons:

 

1. The request is consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

 

2. The proposed amendment will help implement the vision, goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

 

After public notice and a public hearing before the Grand Junction City Council, the City Council hereby finds and determines that an amendment to add use-specific standards for Racing Pigeons will implement the vision, goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan and should be adopted.

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION THAT:

 

21.04.030(a)(5)

(5)  Other Animals.

 (i) Other animals may be kept only after obtaining approval from the Director.

(ii) Racing Pigeons. “Racing Pigeons”, by definition, is a pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the distinctive physical and mental characteristics as to enable it to return to its home after having been released a considerable distance therefrom, and which is accepted as such by the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. or the International Federation of Racing Pigeons Fanciers. Also commonly known as Racing Homer, Homing Pigeon or Carrier Pigeon. The structure for the keeping of housing of pigeons permitted by this regulation is defined as a “loft”. The keeping of pigeons as defined above shall be permitted on the following conditions which are, in part, recommended by the Avian Assistance Council and the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc.:

(A) The loft shall be of such sufficient size and design, and constructed of such material, that it can be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and shall contain at least one (1) square foot of floor space for each mature pigeon kept therein.

(B) The construction and location of the loft shall not conflict with the requirements of this Code or building code. The loft shall be enclosed except for the aviary portion which cannot exceed twenty percent (20%) of the floor area of the loft.

(C) The loft shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all applicable health regulations of the City.

(D) All feed for said pigeons shall be stored in such containers as to protect against intrusion by rodents and other vermin.

(E) A maximum of fifty (50) performing birds shall be allowed on parcels of one-half (1/2) acre or less. On parcels greater than one-half (1/2) acre, a maximum of 100 performing birds shall be allowed. Performing birds are birds that leave the loft in training and for racing.

(F) All pigeons shall be confined to the loft, except for limited periods necessary for exercise, training and competition; and at no time shall pigeons be allowed to perch or linger on the buildings or property of others. Pigeons shall be fed only in the confines of the loft.

(G) No one shall release pigeons to fly for exercise, training or competition except in compliance with the following rules:

(a) The owner of the pigeons must be a member in good standing of an organized pigeon club, such as the Grand Junction Racing Pigeon Club, The American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. or other club that has rules that will help preserve the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.

(b) Pigeons will not be released for flying which have been fed within the previous four (4) hours.

(c) Pigeons shall be banded and registered with one (1) of the national pigeon associations/registries.

(H) A structure housing racing pigeons shall be no closer than 50 feet to any adjacent residential or commercial structure on another property.

 

All other provisions of Section 21.04.030(a) shall remain in full force and effect.

 

INTRODUCED on first reading the 5th day of September, 2012 and ordered published in pamphlet form.

 

PASSED and ADOPTED on second reading the 19th day of September, 2012 and ordered published in pamphlet form.

 

ATTEST:

 

 /s/ Bill Pitts        

 President of the Council

 

/s/ Stephanie Tuin      

City Clerk