Winona County approves interim use permit for dog-boarding operation with 30-dog commercial cap

Winona County commissioners voted to approve an interim use permit (IUP) that will let Greg and Brandy Gammels operate a dog‑boarding business on their property, with the board clarifying several conditions and a temporary limit on commercial boarding capacity.

The vote approved the IUP with four conditions: updated vaccination requirements and leash rules for animals entering and leaving the site; relocation of runs to the west side of the building per the new map submitted to the county; perimeter outdoor fencing constructed of a privacy‑absorbing material (suggested: wood or similar); and a commercial boarding cap set at 30 dogs (the cap applies to commercial boarding only and does not count the owners’ personal animals). The motion to approve, including those conditions, was moved by Commissioner Vega and seconded by Commissioner Begley; the board approved the motion.

Neighbors had both before and during the hearing urged clarity around noise, layout and capacity. Amber Braun, a nearby landowner who spoke at the meeting, said neighbors supported the Gammels’ proposal but asked the board to set a capacity so future issues could be managed against a clear baseline. Braun also pointed out that lots in that area are small — around three acres — and that other similar commercial facilities often operate on 20–60 acres, which affects how sound travels and how operations scale.

Applicant Greg Gammels told the board he had listed an upper operational capacity of 40 dogs and 15 cats as a theoretical maximum, but said the operation would not start at that level and could be adjusted over time if the business demonstrates it can care for larger numbers without complaint. The board’s 30‑dog limit applies only to the commercial boarding operation; the Gammels’ personal animals will not be counted against that cap.

Commissioner Ward proposed the set of conditions based on planning‑commission materials and neighbors’ input; Ward said she wanted requirements stated as mandatory rather than discretionary. County staff confirmed the amended site plan showing runs on the west side had been provided in the planning packet and that fencing, vaccination records and other conditions had been discussed in the planning commission notes.

County staff clarified that any future increase above the board‑set commercial cap would require an amendment to the permit, review by the planning commission, payment of applicable fees and return to the board for approval. The board also discussed the administrative process for an amendment and noted that such changes are subject to the county’s standard planning and permitting procedures.

The board’s action establishes the interim conditions and allows the Gammels to begin operations under those limits. Neighbors at the hearing expressed cautious support for a successful business but emphasized balancing rural residential expectations with new commercial activity.

Looking ahead, staff will record the conditions in the final permit documents and the Gammels must follow the county’s amendment process if they later seek to raise boarding capacity or change site layout.