Board approves seasonal dog-show permit for Gamble Field with conditions, urges long-term special-use review

The Maricopa County Board of Adjustment approved a temporary use permit (TUP) allowing up to 29 event days for dog shows and competitions at Gamble Field between October 2025 and April 2026, with conditions tied to public safety and sanitation. Staff recommended the applicant pursue a special use permit (SUP) for ongoing operations because of the frequency and intensity of the requested events; the board approved the TUP but reiterated staff’s guidance that ongoing use should transition to an SUP.

Planner Isaac Perez summarized the request: 29 event days for American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club and Molosser Group activities on a 19-acre RU-43 parcel, with hours starting early (setup about 7 a.m.) and operations sometimes lasting until 11 p.m.; the application included site fencing, an access point on the northwest end of the parcel, and 65 letters of support submitted by the applicant. Staff received 1 late public comment and had concerns about recurring TUPs replacing a permanent entitlement, wastewater and restroom facilities, emergency access, and the impacts of a long string of TUPs rather than an SUP. “Because of the recurring frequency of the TUP applications, this being the applicant’s third TUP, increased intensity of the land use, and concerns outlined in the staff report, we recommend that the applicant pursue a special use permit to continue these events,” Isaac said.

Applicant Jane Piper and owner Mark Graham told the board the site is largely fenced, that events historically have had 25–75 people and up to about 150 participants and dogs depending on the activity, and that organizers typically used portable toilets, small canopy tents and temporary ring stakes. Piper said groups sometimes requested overnight dry camping for participants and that organizers planned security and managed parking onsite. Neighbors and other public speakers raised procedural and neighbor-relations concerns; one nearby resident cautioned the board about complaints from an adjacent property owner.

Key modification and conditions - The board approved staff-proposed conditions (a–q) with one modification: condition language requiring removal of on-site porta-potties upon abandonment was clarified to permit the devices to remain if allowed by Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD). Staff confirmed MCESD oversight of sanitation facilities. - Staff and several board members emphasized that repeated short-term TUP approvals should not substitute for a special use permit for ongoing, frequent events; the board urged the applicant to advance an SUP to address wastewater, permanent restroom facilities, access, and parking.

Vote and outcome Chairman Loper moved approval of TU250037 with staff conditions as modified; Vice Chair Rosalie seconded. The motion carried 4–0 (one board member had left the hearing). The board included a condition requiring MCESD sign-off where portable-restroom or wastewater questions remain.

Why it matters: The board’s approval allows a season of dog events that organizers say serves a local need while attaching conditions aimed at addressing sanitation and safety; staff and board members agreed the applicant should pursue a formal special use permit for longer-term, recurring operations.