Park County OKs Mountain View Kennel special‑use permit despite neighbor concerns about dust and odor

Park County commissioners voted to approve a special‑use permit allowing a kennel operation north of County Road 4, near Powell, subject to conditions including building permits and compliance with county nuisance regulations.

Planning staff said the applicant, Rudy and Dorcas Yoder, proposed a 640‑square‑foot building with eight 4‑by‑6 indoor kennels, each opening to a 6‑by‑6 outdoor run, and a 2,200‑square‑foot enclosed exercise area. The kennel would be classified as a cottage industry and located on an 80‑acre parcel addressed as 1173 Road 4. Staff reported the facility would kennel eight to 10 female dogs with an estimated eight to 10 litters per year, that dogs would only be allowed in the exercise area during daylight hours, and that the owners and family would be the only employees; no nonresident employees or public boarding were proposed.

Agencies responding to referrals raised no objections that would block the permit: the local fire inspector said plan review is required only if the facility is open to the public, the state electrical inspector raised no state concerns, Willwood Irrigation District said the proposal would not interfere with irrigation infrastructure, and Park County Public Works said the structure would not constitute a large‑impact structure and that the parcel has an existing permitted access.

Nearby landowners raised concerns at the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and again before commissioners about the number of dogs in the area, containment and barking, odor from composting kennel waste, and dust from delivery traffic along the county road. A local commenter asked how enforcement would work if conditions were not followed; staff replied that the planning and zoning office enforces SUP conditions and can investigate complaints.

Staff recommended approval with five conditions, including: any modification or increased intensity of the use requires an amendment or a new SUP; obtaining building and county small wastewater permits prior to construction if a wastewater disposal system becomes necessary; compliance with Park County noise, lighting and nuisance regulations; and overall compliance with Park County development standards and regulations. Commissioners noted the applicant’s waste management plan — composting kennel waste and spreading it on a hayfield — and the applicant’s commitment to daytime‑only exercise periods and privacy fencing.

After hearing public comment, the board voted to approve the Mountain View Kennel SUP #271 with the conditions recommended by staff.