Potentially dangerous wild animals are tightly regulated in unincorporated Pierce County under PCC Chapter 6.16. Species prohibited by state law (RCW 16.30.010) may not be kept at all; other potentially dangerous wild animals require a permit from the Pierce County Auditor.
Pierce County Code Chapter 6.16 (Potentially Dangerous Wild Animals) controls exotic animals in the unincorporated county. PCC 6.16.010 defines 'animal' broadly to include 'all reptiles, birds, invertebrates, mammals, amphibians, and fishes.' PCC 6.16.020 provides that residents 'may keep potentially dangerous wild animals other than those defined in and prohibited by RCW [16.30.010] if they obtain a permit' from the Auditor or the Auditor's designated agent. A permit is granted only on a showing that adequate safeguards control the animal's dangerous propensities, eliminate danger to people and property, and pose no nuisance to surrounding occupants. Washington's RCW 16.30 already bans private possession of many dangerous wild animals (large cats, bears, wolves, primates, venomous reptiles) statewide, so those cannot be permitted locally.
Keeping a state-prohibited dangerous wild animal, or keeping a permit-required potentially dangerous wild animal without the county permit, violates PCC Chapter 6.16 and is a misdemeanor under PCC 6.03.020.J. The animal may be seized, and the owner is strictly responsible
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Backyard residential composting is allowed and encouraged in Pierce County with no permit, but a compost pile that creates odor, attracts vermin, or otherwis...
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Pierce County government sets no county-wide residential watering schedule; outdoor watering rules are set by your water provider — mainly Tacoma Water and l...
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Every Pierce County landowner has an enforceable duty under RCW 17.10.140 to eradicate class A noxious weeds and control listed class B and C weeds. The Pier...
See how Pierce County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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