Residential Guidelines/City Ordinances
Pet-Owners’ Responsibilities
The following guidelines were prepared from the Kansas City Code of General Ordinances, Chapter 14, ANIMALS, as reproduced in Supplement 9. Regulations cited here are current as of April 22, 1996.
Limitation on Number of Cats and Dogs (See. 14-28)
After May 1979, Kansas City residents may own no more than four dogs or four cats or any combination of such animals over the age of 120 days without special permission and city licensing.
Responsibilities of Dog-Owners
1. Dogs running at large – It is unlawful for anyone owning, keeping or harboring any dog to allow that dog to run at large within the city. Amy dog shall be deemed to be running at large when found outside of the residence and not effectively physically restrained on a chain or leash and behind a suitable fence from which it cannot escape. (Sec. 14-33)
2. Dogs on private property – It is unlawful for a dog-owner to allow the animal to be upon the property of another without that person’s permission. (Sec 14-33)
3. Dogs attacking or frightening others – No person shall keep any dog or other animal that is not securely confined which by attempting to bite, jump upon, charge toward or otherwise threaten any other person causing physical injury. (Sec 14-31)
4. Dogs causing excessive noise – No person shall own or keep any animal which by making excessive noise disturbs a neighborhood. “Excessive noise“ shall mean any animal noise, which is so loud, continuous or untimely as to disturb a neighbor who lives within 100 yards of the property. (See 14-30)
5. Disposal of animal waste – It is unlawful for any person in control of a dog, cat or other animal to allow that animal to deposit manure on public property or on the private property of another person. (See 14-19)
6. Removal of animal waste – A pet-owner shall be legally responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by his/her animal on public walks, streets, recreation areas or private property. (See 14-19)
7. Licensing – It is the duty of every person owning any cat or dog in the city, over 120 days old, to procure an appropriate license from the commissioner of revenues.
8. Proper care of pets – A pet-owner must provide the animal with adequate care, food, water, health care, and clean, dry, shaded shelter. (See 14-16)
9. Pets in motor vehicles – A pet-owner shall not confine any animal in a motor vehicle under weather conditions that endanger its life. (See 14-48)
Penalties (See 14-46 and 14-35)
Violations of these laws are punishable by fine (ranging from $30 to $500 and/or by imprisonment in the municipal correctional institution for up to 180 days.) In addition, impoundment and boarding fees shall be charged for any animal picked up by an animal control officer and transported to the animal shelter.
Enforcement (See 14-36)
The Director of Neighborhood and Community Services and the Supervisor of Animal Control shall enforce these sections.
Excessive Animal Noise (See 14-30)
No person shall own or keep any animal, which by making excessive noise disturbs a neighborhood. The following definitions and conditions shall be specifically applicable to enforcement of the prohibition set out in this section:
1. The phrase “excessive noise” shall mean and include any noise produced by an animal, which is so loud and continuous or untimely as to disturb a neighbor.
2. The term “neighbor” shall be an individual residing in a residence structure which is within 100 yards of the property on which the animal is kept or harbored and who does in writing state that he will testify under oath to the animal making excessive noise.
3. If a general ordinance summons is issued charging violation of this section, a subpoena shall be issued to the disturbed neighbor to testify in the matter.
Nuisances (See 25.3.07)
Wrecked, damaged, demolished, disabled, disassembled or currently unlicensed vehicles. (a) Any wrecked, damaged, demolished, disassembled or disabled vehicle left or permitted to remain upon any portion of the premises other than within a private garage, as that term is defined in section 39.020, Code of General Ordinances.
Fences and Retaining Walls (Sec 56-114)
(a) Location. No fence or solid wall may be over six feet high and located within 25 feet of any building used as a residence by any person other than the owner or the tenant of the owner of the property on which such fence is located, except as otherwise provided in the zoning ordinance. This requirement does not apply to any fence constructed before October 27, 1992, or to fences constructed or maintained in compliance with section 14-33, to keep dogs from running at large.
(b) Maintenance. All fences and retaining walls on the premises shall be structurally sound; constructed of metal, wood, masonry, or other inert material; and kept in good repair. The fence posts shall be firmly set in a base that does not allow the posts to wobble. The fence railings or slats shall be firmly attached to the supporting posts. Gaps or wedges in a retaining wall shall be restored to the original condition. Fences and retaining walls shall not encroach on the public right-of-way and must be maintained in a manner that will protect the fence or wall from rotting, decay, deterioration, or loss of structural integrity.
(c) Exposure. Any fence located entirely within a property shall have the smooth finished surface facing the exterior of the property. This requirement does not apply to any fence construction before October 22, 1997. Compliance with Existing Laws In addition, there are Building Codes, Zoning Ordinances and Regulations promulgated by the City of Kansas City, MO which must be observed. These also are intended for benefit of the Property Owner.