Fullerton : Issue of Limiting Pets on City Council Agenda

The number of dogs and cats Fullerton residents will be allowed to keep at home may be reduced Tuesday by the City Council.

Postponed from two previous meetings, the proposal is expected to attract “a fairly large turnout” to the council meeting, assistant city planner Ted Commerdinger said.

“It is an emotional issue for the pet owners and the surrounding residents,” Commerdinger said.

Current city codes allow residents up to three dogs and three cats regardless of whether they are in a house, apartment, duplex, condominium or mobile home.

To establish a sliding scale that would allow fewer animals in smaller homes, the city staff is proposing that a total of four cats and dogs, but a maximum of three dogs, be allowed per lot of 20,000 square feet or less. Residents who live on a lot bigger than 20,000 square feet would be allowed an additional cat or dog.

Residents in duplexes, apartments, condominiums and mobile homes would be allowed a total of two dogs and cats, instead of the six currently permitted, Commerdinger said.

The council will meet at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.