Commission previews April 30 public hearings for a commercial kennel and an equestrian facility

Coconino County planning staff on March 26 presented two items scheduled for a public hearing on April 30: a conditional use permit for a commercial kennel (CP25009, known as Aeropaw) and a conditional use for an equestrian facility and riding arena (CV2511, Joseph Equestrian Facility).

Aeropaw kennel (CP25009): Planner Bob Short described a 2.51-acre parcel at 5550 Lean Lane in the Donny Park area proposed for an indoor, climate-controlled commercial kennel. The applicant, Lauren DeMarco, proposes eight indoor kennels with a combined capacity up to 12 dogs, insulated walls and ceilings for soundproofing, a fenced outdoor play area with a six-foot fence and anti-bark devices used only when needed. Short said the property is zoned R-2.5, is accessed by a private paved street and that staff received no neighbors at the applicant's neighborhood meeting; notice was sent to surrounding properties. The application includes a waste-management and vehicle-circulation plan staff summarized for commissioners.

Joseph Equestrian Facility (CV2511): Short said the applicant, Abigail Joseph Williams, proposes an equestrian center on two adjacent parcels on Sierra Drive (approximately two acres total); zoning is R-1. The request covers equine therapy and equine-assisted learning with low initial attendance (two to three clients per week) but a possible future peak up to 10—215 clients weekly. Proposed hours were Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., April through October; the applicant cited afternoon winds as a reason for limited operating hours. Short said the applicant planned parking along Vista Drive and would not board outside horses on site; the cabin would provide restrooms and an office.

Staff noted open items commissioners can expect at the April 30 hearing: neighborhood-meeting results for Aeropaw (none had attended per the current packet) and outstanding questions such as dust control and water availability for the equestrian facility. Commissioner questions at the study session focused on kennel capacity limits under the zoning, anti-bark-device descriptions, proximity of the outdoor play area to nearby residences, and the equestrian facility's dust-control and parking plans. Short told commissioners staff will continue to analyze potential conditions and report back at the hearing.

The two cases will be scheduled for the commission's April 30 public hearing; staff advised commissioners to review the packets before that meeting.