Riverside approves outdoor-pet license permitting certain nontraditional pets

The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees voted July 17 to adopt an ordinance amending Title 6, Chapter 2 of the village code to require licensing for pets that are regularly kept outdoors and are not already licensed by the village.

Planner Siren told trustees the ordinance targets animals not currently licensed and not otherwise prohibited by village code, and cited examples including birds, chinchillas, ducks, ferrets, geese, hedgehogs, rabbits and sugar gliders. “The ordinance would require owners to obtain an outdoor pet license using the same fee structure as hen licensing,” Planner Siren said. The proposed rule excludes dogs, cats, hens and bees, which remain separately licensed.

Under the ordinance, owners may keep up to five outdoor pets without seeking a special exception; additional animals already present would be grandfathered and noted on the license. Licenses renew annually; staff may suspend or revoke a license if justified complaints are not resolved. Planner Siren said staff had identified two properties that would be subject to the new requirement and that the village will provide general public notice of the licensing requirement.

A motion to adopt the ordinance was made and seconded; the clerk called the roll and trustees voted to approve the ordinance. The village will notify affected residents and implement the licensing and renewal process under the village clerk and community development procedures.