How Parma Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Parma maintains 125 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Parma falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Wildlife Feeding

Parma prohibits feeding deer and intentional feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance or health hazards under CO 505. Bird feeding is permitted if it does not attract rats or become a public nuisance. Ohio Division of Wildlife regulates deer feeding statewide through hunting regulations.

Key details: Deer Feeding: Prohibited. Bird Feeders: Permitted if clean. State Agency: ODNR Division of Wildlife. Code: Parma CO Ch 505. Metroparks: West Creek Reservation adjacent.

Nuisance feeding violations under CO 505 start at $100 for first offense. Continued violations after written notice escalate to $250-$500 and may trigger removal of feeders or feeding structures by the city.

Pet Limits

Parma limits residential households to a combined total of dogs and cats under Codified Ordinance 505, typically 3 dogs per household without a kennel license. Cuyahoga County dog licensing is required annually through the County Auditor under ORC 955.01.

Key details: Dog Limit: 3 per household typical. Kennel License: Required for 4+. County License: Cuyahoga County Auditor. State Law: ORC 955.01. Renewal Deadline: January 31 annually.

Exceeding pet limits without a kennel permit: first offense $100-$150, second offense $250. Unlicensed dog citations under ORC 955.99: up to $75 plus impound and late fees.

Chickens & Livestock

Parma may permit backyard chickens with limits on flock size and setbacks. Roosters typically banned in residential zones. Livestock restricted by zoning.

Key details: Hens: Typically 4 to 6 allowed. Roosters: Usually prohibited. Coop Setback: 25 to 50 feet from neighbors. Livestock: Agricultural zones only.

Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance conditions: $50 to $250/day. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.

Breed Restrictions

Parma does not impose breed-specific legislation; the city follows Ohio's behavior-based dangerous dog framework under ORC 955.11 (amended by HB 14 in 2012). Pit bulls and other breeds are legal, but any dog deemed dangerous or vicious faces containment, insurance, and registration requirements.

Key details: Breed Ban: None. State Law: ORC 955.11 (2012 HB 14). Dangerous Dog Insurance: 100,000 dollars. Approach: Behavior-based. Code: Parma CO Ch 505.

Failure to comply with dangerous dog rules: 4th-degree misdemeanor. Vicious dog violations: 1st-degree misdemeanor, up to 1,000 dollars and 180 days jail. Dog may be euthanized.

Dog Leash Laws

Parma requires all dogs to be leashed or under physical control when off the owner's property under Codified Ordinance 505.07 and state law ORC 955.22. Running-at-large violations carry fines from 100 dollars, with enforcement by Parma Animal Control and the Cuyahoga County Dog Warden.

Key details: Leash Length: Max 6 feet. Code: Parma CO 505.07. State Law: ORC 955.22. First Fine: 100 dollars plus impound. Off-Leash Parks: None in Parma.

First offense: 100 dollar fine plus impound fees. Second offense: 250 dollars. Third offense within 12 months: 4th-degree misdemeanor, up to 250 dollars and 30 days jail. Dog may be declared nuisance.

This is one of the stricter rules in Parma's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Exotic Pets

Parma prohibits dangerous wild animals under ORC 935 (Ohio's 2012 Dangerous Wild Animal Act), which bans private ownership of big cats, bears, primates, and large constrictors statewide. Parma CO 505 adds local prohibitions on keeping farm livestock in residential zones.

Key details: State Law: ORC 935. Banned: Big cats, bears, primates. Code: Parma CO 505. Penalty: Felony possible. Effective Date: 2012.

ORC 935 violations: up to fifth-degree felony (up to 12 months imprisonment and $2,500 fine) for possession without permit. CO 505 local livestock violations: $150-$500 and removal order.

This is one of the stricter rules in Parma's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Parma requires compliance with state apiary registration under ORC 909.02 through the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Parma zoning permits hobby beekeeping in residential zones with setbacks from property lines. Hives must be registered annually with ODA by June 1.

Key details: State Registration: ODA annual by June 1. State Law: ORC 909.02. Residential: Confirm with zoning. Fee: $5-$20 state. Local Code: CO 618.09 applies.

Unregistered apiary under ORC 909: minor misdemeanor, up to $150. Parma zoning violations: $100-$300 and hive removal if determined to be a nuisance or prohibited use.

The Bottom Line

Parma is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Parma, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Parma can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.