Manitou Springs, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

010(L) defines 'exotic animal' broadly: any animal not commonly domesticated, not common to North America, or of a wild or predatory nature regardless of geographic origin. 010 requires a permit to own or keep such an animal, but exempts birds, small rodents, and small nonpoisonous reptiles up to six feet long kept for pets or education, as well as animals held by zoos, circuses or recognized scientific or educational institutions. 020, an applicant files on a prescribed form, pays a council-set fee, and the city inspects the premises before issuing a permit valid for one year; renewal is required annually and the permit cannot be transferred.

030 lets the city deny or revoke a permit for a false or misleading application, an animal obtained illegally, an unqualified applicant or inadequate facilities, or where public health, safety and welfare justify it, and revocation can also follow if the animal becomes a nuisance or otherwise violates the chapter, this code, or state law. A denied or revoked applicant must wait six months to reapply, but can appeal to city council by filing written notice with the city clerk within ten days, and may keep the animal pending that appeal.