Charleston, WV Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base limit
- 2 dogs per lot/dwelling
- Special permit fee
- $50.00
- Minimum lot size (outdoor)
- 6,500 sq. ft.
- Permit issued by
- Humane officer
- Transferable
- No: new permit required
Summary
Charleston limits households to two dogs unless the owner gets a special permit or zoning variance, a direct check on the kind of excessive-animal accumulation that leads to hoarding complaints.
No person shall own, keep or harbor more than two dogs on any lot, premises, dwelling, building, structure, boat or living accommodation unless: (1) Properly licensed as a commercial kennel in compliance with the zoning ordinance; or (2) Approved for a special permit under the provisions of section 10-121; or (3) Previously granted a variance...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 10-120 makes it unlawful to own, keep, or harbor more than two dogs on any lot, dwelling, or living accommodation in Charleston unless the property is a licensed commercial kennel, the owner holds a special permit under Sec. 10-121, or a board of zoning appeals variance is in effect. To get a special permit, a humane officer must approve a site plan showing the property is over 6,500 square feet (unless dogs are kept mainly indoors), that dogs are securely confined by fencing or electronic containment, and that adequate shelter is provided. Permits cost $50, are non-transferable, and can be revoked if the dogs become a nuisance or hazard.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than two dogs without a permit, kennel license, or variance violates Sec. 10-120; a humane officer can deny or revoke a special permit under Sec. 10-121 for nuisance, hazard, or neighborhood disruption, with denial appealable to the Public Safety Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep three dogs in Charleston without a permit?
How do I get approval to keep more than two dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia animal ordinances overview
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