ATTACHMENT_D_-_San_Mateo_County_Confined_Animal_Ordinance_Code.pdf

The document is the San Mateo County Confined Animals Ordinance Code, a regulatory document from the San Mateo County Planning and Building Department in California. This comprehensive ordinance establishes detailed regulations for keeping confined animals in unincorporated areas of the county, covering requirements for animal permits, site management, facility standards, and environmental protections. The code requires a Confined Animal Permit for properties keeping animals meeting specific criteria, such as animals weighing over 300 pounds or not primarily used for agriculture. Permits are valid for six years and require a site management plan demonstrating compliance with numerous environmental, health, and safety standards.

The ordinance establishes specific requirements for animal facilities, including minimum parcel sizes (one gross acre), maximum animal densities (one animal per half-acre for the first two animals, with decreasing density for additional animals), and strict setback and drainage regulations. A nine-member Technical Advisory Committee is established to review permit applications and provide guidance, with members representing animal care expertise, environmental management, and public health. The code includes enforcement mechanisms with a graduated approach, initially providing written notices and opportunities for corrective action before potentially escalating to legal penalties. Exceptions to specific requirements can be requested, subject to review by the Planning Director and potentially a Zoning Hearing Officer.