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Planning commission approves Puptopia dog festival at Veterans Park for July 26
Summary
The commission approved a permit for the Puptopia dog- and owner-oriented festival at Veterans Park July 26, finding the event categorically exempt from CEQA; the event will not include alcohol sales this year.
The Planning Commission on April 16 approved a major special event permit for the Puptopia (dog-oriented) festival at Veterans Park on July 26, 2025.
Staff presented Major Special Event Application 2025-0022, submitted by Faith Woodring with support from Visit Big Bear. Staff described the event as a family- and visitor-oriented dog festival similar to the 2024 event at the same location. Unlike last year, staff noted, the event will not include on-site alcohol sales and the K9 Lounge area is not proposed. The event is free to spectators, will include vendor booths and activities for dogs and owners, and staff reported no public correspondence received as of the meeting.
Staff advised the commission that after two successful years the planning commission may authorize the city planner to approve future iterations ministerially. Staff recommended approval and applied the CEQA Class 4 exemption (section 15304).
A Visit Big Bear representative said the 2024 event was successful and that organizers planned additional interactive features for 2025. Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution approving the permit (recorded as Resolution No. 2025-03); the vote was recorded 3-0 in favor. The resolution takes effect in 10 days unless appealed to the planning division.
