Coon Rapids, MN Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Chapter 6-200's stated purpose (Section 6-201) is that keeping three or more dogs, cats, or any combination on the same premises can become a nuisance through smell, noise, destruction, soiling, and safety risks if not controlled, so the City Council regulates four or more as a Multiple Pet Location or Kennel. Section 6-202 defines a Multiple Pet Location as a place where four or more dogs, cats, or any combination over six months of age are kept, excluding cats kept exclusively indoors and foster dogs from the count, while service animals still count toward the limit.

A Kennel is the same four-or-more threshold but includes boarding, breeding, or sale, and is allowed only in zoning districts set by the Land Development Regulations. Section 6-205 requires anyone maintaining a Multiple Pet Location to first obtain a multiple pet permit from the Police Chief, who reviews housing adequacy, sanitation, fencing quality, and any prior complaints under Section 6-211, and may hold a hearing with notice sent to occupants within 350 feet. Applicants for a multiple pet permit must reside at the location and be at least 18.

Permits and licenses run 12 months and required site inspections recur every third year after the initial inspection, with additional complaint-driven inspections and reinspection fees under Section 6-210. Fencing sufficient to confine outdoor pets is required under Section 6-209 unless waived for cats-only permits. A final decision on a new or renewal application must issue within 60 days, extendable once by 60 more days for good cause, or the application is deemed approved.