The City of Foster City has adopted an ordinance that places a limit of three on the number of dogs that any one handler may bring at one time to off-leash areas, including the dog park. The ordinance will take effect on April 7, 2011, which is 30 days after its adoption, at which time enforcement will begin. The complete text of the ordinance is posted in public places including the bulletin board at the dog run. Existing signs at the dog park and other off-leash areas will be modified to include the reference to this new ordinance.

This ordinance applies to all off-leash areas in Foster City. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash at the dog park at the corner of Foster City Blvd. and Bounty Drive and at four designated parks between the hours of 5 AM and 8 AM: Farragut, Boothbay, Edgewater, and Catamaran Parks. At Sea Cloud Park dogs are allowed off-leash from 5 AM to 9 AM in the designated “off-leash” area on the southeast side of the park.

Dogs must be on a leash in all other public areas, including while going to and from vehicles to the designated off-leash areas.

There has always been a 3 dog limit rule in place at off-leash areas including at the dog park. However, the rule was not enforceable and relied upon park users to self-monitor their compliance. During the past year, some dog park users have been observed regularly and intentionally come to the park with more than three dogs at a time. Changing the 3-dog limit rule to an enforceable ordinance was identified as a high priority at a public dog group meeting that was held on October 13, 2010.

While studying the options for gaining compliance with the 3-dog rule, the City invited the public to attend three Parks and Recreation Committee meetings in August, October, and November of 2010 to share their comments on the adoption of an enforceable ordinance. Approximately 45 members of the public attended these meetings. Based on public comment and staff and Parks and Recreation Committee evaluation, it was recommended to amend Municipal Code, Section 6.04.070, to include a 3-dog limit per handler in off-leash areas. This recommendation was based on the belief that no person can effectively control and supervise more than three dogs at one time.

For questions or concerns about 3 dogs limit ordinance, contact Kevin Miller, Parks and Recreation Director at (650) 286-3388 or kmiller@fostercity.org.