Advisory board approves conditional use for commercial kennel at Noah's Ark site with limits

The Henry County Zoning Advisory Board approved a conditional use (CU 24‑08) permitting a commercial kennel at 712 L.G. Griffin Road, the Noah's Ark Sanctuary property, subject to conditions the board adopted during the hearing.

Planning staff reported the property is zoned RA (residential agricultural) and that Section 4.301(e) of the ULDC allows commercial kennels in RA by conditional use subject to supplemental standards. Staff noted environmental‑health review found the existing septic would support the use. The applicant, Penny Baker, told the board she intends to lease the existing facility and initially board small dogs and cats with modest expansion later; she said the facility and a fenced yard already exist on site.

In discussion the board attached conditions that limit the conditional use to the existing kennel structure and any additions directly connected to it; require the operator to maintain a business license; and cap the number of animals allowed. The board ultimately approved the permit with a cap of 25 animals total (dogs and cats combined), limited to the existing kennel footprint and connected additions, and with standard permit and health requirements. The conditional use remains tied to the site zoning (it does not change the underlying RA zoning); the approval includes the board's record condition that the use will expire if the business ceases or is sold so that future operators must secure approvals.

The applicant and staff said the proposed operation would start small (applicant stated an initial plan of roughly 10–15 small dogs and 5–6 cats) and that any future expansion of capacity or footprint would require additional permits.

Board action: motion to approve CU 24‑08 with conditions passed; staff will record the conditions and proceed with permit and compliance review.