Prospective Franklin dog daycare owner says sewer and zoning confusion cost time and money

Rena Fosse, a prospective business owner in Franklin, told the City Commission during public comment that she and her husband have faced months of permitting delays and extra costs while trying to open Sir Wax A Lot, a dog daycare and boarding facility.

Fosse said she was initially told the parcel did not have access to city sewer and proceeded to pursue a septic permit, paying $500 to dig two soil-test holes and an additional $500 when those tests were inconclusive. "We were told the land did not have access to the sewer, so we proceeded with steps to install a septic tank," she said. Later, Fosse said, the prior owner and a city representative confirmed the property does have sewer access.

The developer's contractor also received what Fosse described as inconsistent direction about required materials and who must perform the sewer tap: "He was also told that one of three city-approved contractors would have to run the hot tap," she said, adding that her contractor told her he could provide the service more cheaply.

Fosse told commissioners her engineer submitted a final development plan on March 12 and followed up on March 25 and April 8 but had not received a final review decision. "As of today...still no development approval or nonapproval," she said. She acknowledged a city engineer had experienced a personal loss in early March and said she was not assigning blame, but urged the commission to adopt a formal succession or backup plan and defined review timelines so applicants are not left waiting.

Mayor Dixon and a city staff member acknowledged the concern and said the city would look at contingency plans for critical positions. The commission did not take formal action in response to Fosse's comments during the meeting.

Fosse said she and her husband believe the business will be an asset to Franklin and asked for the commission's partnership and support as they move forward.