Public Hearing Set for Controversial Fox Hunting Kennel Amendment

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Kent County Planning Commission has taken a significant step towards accommodating local agricultural practices by recommending a zoning text amendment that would allow the Wicomico Hunt Club to establish dog kennels as a permitted use in the Resource Conservation District (RCD). This decision, made during a public hearing on November 7, 2024, aims to support the club's operations while aligning with the county's comprehensive plan for natural resource-based industries.

The proposed amendment seeks to define and permit dog kennels specifically for fox hunting clubs within the RCD, which is primarily designated for agricultural and natural resource uses. The Planning Commission's staff highlighted that the amendment is consistent with the county's goals of enhancing local tourism and supporting agriculture. However, they recommended that the kennels be classified as accessory uses rather than outright permitted uses, ensuring that they meet specific conditions, such as maintaining a distance of 200 feet from property lines and proper waste management.

The Wicomico Hunt Club, which has been active for 95 years, aims to establish its home base in Kent County, contributing to the local agricultural economy and preserving open spaces. The club's representatives emphasized the cultural significance of fox hunting in the area and the importance of maintaining high standards for the care of the hounds, which would be managed under the guidelines of the Masters of Foxhounds Association.

While the amendment received support from some community members, concerns were raised about the exclusivity of the proposed use, as it currently applies only to the Wicomico Hunt Club. Some commissioners suggested that the amendment could be broadened to allow other types of commercial kennels in the RCD, ensuring that the regulations do not inadvertently limit future opportunities for similar operations.

The Planning Commission's recommendation will now be forwarded to the Kent County Commissioners for further consideration, marking a potential shift in the county's approach to zoning that could foster agricultural innovation and community engagement in local traditions.

Converted from 11.7.24 Planning Commission meeting on November 08, 2024
Link to Full Meeting