Wide public turnout opposes proposed equestrian code; speakers cite childcare, therapy and economic impacts

A large, sometimes emotional public hearing on the Year of the Rural draft focused overwhelmingly on proposed changes to equestrian facility rules. Dozens of speakers urged the Planning Commission to reject or substantially revise the equestrian provisions, saying proposed setbacks, hours and permit requirements would close barns, harm youth programs, reduce therapeutic services and undercut local businesses.

Multiple speakers described barns as community hubs that support 4‑H, therapeutic riding, youth mentorship, veteran services and small-business ecosystems that include farriers, veterinarians and feed stores. Dawn Oian, an owner of an equestrian facility in Port Orchard, told commissioners the draft “will effectively shut down horse boarding” by imposing setbacks and animal‑density limits that make operations unworkable.…