Queen Creek council approves conditional-use permit for stock-dog trials, sheep breeding on 5-acre property

The Queen Creek Town Council voted unanimously to approve a conditional‑use permit allowing stock‑dog trial events and continued livestock operations on a 5‑acre property in the Ellsworth Mini Farms neighborhood.

The permit, requested by property owners Dan and Diane Sanderson, covers up to six stock‑dog trial events per season (November–March), one‑to‑three days in duration and attracting about 30–40 people per event, and continued year‑round breeding of Saint Croix sheep. Planning staff told the council the property exceeded the town’s livestock limits and a conditional‑use permit was required after an earlier code complaint about dust.

The council’s decision followed a multi‑stage review: a neighborhood meeting on May 27 with roughly 35 attendees, a unanimous Planning Commission recommendation June 11, a presentation by Principal Planner Les Johnson and a presentation by the applicants. Supporters from the neighborhood described the operations as well‑run and minimally disruptive. Residents who spoke in favor included former Mayor Wendy Feldman Kerr and neighbors Trevor Forbus, Al Weiss and Ruben Valenzuela. The council recorded no opposing votes.

Why it matters: The permit formalizes an agritainment activity — stock‑dog trials and sheep breeding — tied to Queen Creek’s agricultural character while imposing conditions aimed at limiting impacts on adjacent properties.

Planning staff said the property is in the R‑1‑43 zoning district and that the request was for a conditional‑use permit specific to the property’s agricultural and event activities. Les Johnson, principal planner, told council that event parking is managed on site and through a written agreement with a neighbor to the east to use additional parking when needed.

Applicant Dan Sanderson described the operation as a preservation‑oriented breeding and dog‑training activity. “We absolutely did not know we were in violation of anything until we were informed, and so now we're trying to make it right,” Sanderson told the council. He described the animals, including Saint Croix sheep (he said there are under 10,000 of that breed worldwide) and seasonal use of ducks and young cattle for trials. He also described mitigation steps already taken: planting 117 feet of bamboo as a wind and dust barrier and reapplying a polymer dust inhibitor (K‑31) to exposed surfaces.

Several neighbors testified in support. Trevor Forbus said the events are “quiet, organized, and clean,” adding that his family allows their children to play outside during events and has not experienced noise or safety issues. Former Mayor Wendy Feldman Kerr said she toured the property and found it “well taken care of” and recommended approval.

Council discussion emphasized that the applicants engaged with staff and neighbors to address the single dust complaint and that the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval. Council Member Brown made the motion to approve; Council Member Benning seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The council’s approval includes the conditions and operational limits described in staff’s report and reflected in the permit; staff and the applicants told the council they would return to council if further modifications were necessary.

Clarifying details: the site is about 5 acres; stock‑dog trials run 1–3 days and up to six times a season (November–March); estimated event attendance is 30–40 people per event; the property currently houses roughly 70 recently weaned cattle used for events and a comparable number of Saint Croix sheep kept year‑round; bamboo plantings (117 feet) and reapplication of K‑31 dust inhibitor were cited as mitigation steps.