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Board approves commercial kennel permit; breeding limited to German Shepherds
Summary
The Board approved a special-exception permit allowing Joshua and Cassidy Biegun to operate a commercial kennel and breeding operation on a 21.85-acre property, with limits on number and type of dogs and prohibitions on boarding and grooming.
The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors approved a special-exception permit on Oct. 14 for a commercial kennel and dog-breeding operation on a 21.85-acre property identified as tax map 87‑9‑15.
Community development staff described the application as a commercial kennel limited to breeding German Shepherds; the applicant’s written description said the operation would produce approximately one to three litters per year. The planning commission recommended approval with conditions restricting the operation to the existing dwelling at 345 Sandstone Lane, limiting breeding to German Shepherds, capping the operation at five female dogs and two male dogs (excluding puppies 16 weeks or younger and personal pets but including visiting stud dogs), and prohibiting boarding and grooming operations. Staff also recommended compliance with county lighting, design and noise regulations.
The applicants, Joshua and Cassidy Biegun, attended the public hearing and said they had few additional details to add. Staff noted the county received two letters/emails of support prior to the hearing.
A motion to approve the special-exception application carried unanimously (5–0). The board’s approval incorporated the planning commission’s recommended conditions.
Staff will follow up to ensure the conditions (dog limits, location of breeding activities within the existing dwelling, and prohibition on boarding and grooming) are reflected in the permit and enforced through routine compliance checks.
