Commission OKs specific‑use permit for dog training facility at 3225 Harwood Road with no‑overnight‑boarding condition
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Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a specific‑use permit for a dog training facility (The Dog Wizard) at 3225 Harwood Road. The commission amended the approval to prohibit overnight public boarding; the amendment passed 5–2 and the SUP was approved as amended.
The Bedford Planning and Zoning Commission on May 22 voted to recommend approval of a specific‑use permit (SUP 25‑4) to allow a dog training facility, classified as a kennel use, at 3225 Harwood Road, Suite B.
Applicant and proposed operations Colin McCaskill, owner of The Dog Wizard, told the commission his business has operated mobile‑only in the area since September 2024 and that he took the lease of Suite B on March 1. McCaskill said the facility would provide private lessons, small group classes and day training by appointment, and that the owner expects to operate primarily Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., with appointments on Saturday by request. He said staffing would be 1–2 people on site and that the business would limit class sizes to six dogs. McCaskill described the operation as appointment‑based and not a drop‑in daycare.
Boarding and noise mitigation McCaskill said the business currently uses two kennels in the leased space and could install up to two additional kennels to support "board and train" programs; he said the most dogs boarded at one time would be four, and that any boarding would be limited to client dogs enrolled in training programs rather than general public boarding. He explained planned noise reduction measures including an interior sound wall separating the training area from the kennel area and acoustic panels.
Commission action and conditions Commissioner Roger (recorded in the transcript as Roger Galenstien) moved an amendment to the approval to make the SUP contingent on "no overnight boarding" for the general public; the amendment passed 5–2. The commission then approved the SUP with that amendment. Commissioners discussed enforceability of the restriction and asked staff to finalize precise wording before the item goes to City Council.
Key details - Use classification: kennel—breeding, training or boarding (requires SUP in the light commercial zoning district). - Location: 3225 Harwood Road, Suite B, Harwood Oaks Plaza; proposed indoor training area only—no exterior kennel runs. - Hours proposed: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday by appointment. - Staffing: 1 on opening, up to 3 by year end (applicant projected 1–2 initially, up to 3 later). - Boarding: limited to client dogs in board‑and‑train programs; applicant said up to 4 dogs at any one time and 2 existing indoor kennels with capacity to install up to 2 more.
Votes and motions - Amendment (no overnight public boarding): passed 5–2. - Final approval of SUP 25‑4 as amended: approved by the commission (vote recorded on the record as approved; amendment incorporated). Staff said precise enforcement wording will be finalized prior to council action.
Quote (from meeting) "I respectfully request your recommendation for approval of our special use permit," applicant Colin McCaskill said when presenting his business plan.
Ending The commission recommended the SUP to City Council with a condition prohibiting overnight boarding of non‑client animals; staff will prepare final language for the council packet and discuss enforcement mechanisms before council consideration.
