Commission hears study-session previews of proposed kennel and equestrian facility ahead of April public hearings

At a March 26 study session, Coconino County planning staff presented two applications that staff expects to come before the commission for public hearings on April 30: CP25009 (Aeropaw commercial kennel) and CV2511 (Joseph equestrian facility).

For CP25009, planner Bob Short summarized the application by applicant Lauren DeMarco for property described in the Donny Park/Donnie Park area at 5550 Lean Lane (R-2.5 zoning) on a 2.51-acre parcel. The application proposes to convert a garage into eight climate-controlled indoor kennels with a stated capacity “up to 12 dogs” (the applicant explained the capacity reflects multiple dogs from the same ownership in a single kennel). Plans call for insulated walls and ceilings for sound attenuation, a fenced outdoor play area enclosed by a six-foot fence, and anti-bark devices used only as needed. Short said the applicant provided waste-management and simple traffic-circulation plans and proposed a small sign meeting local design guidelines (about 3.5 ft by 4.25 ft). Short also noted that a neighborhood meeting had been held with no neighbors attending; notice had been mailed to nearby properties.

Commissioners asked for clarifications on allowed animal counts without a CUP, placement and visibility of the outdoor play area relative to adjacent residences, the nature of anti-bark devices (high-frequency deterrent), and whether dogs would have unsupervised 24/7 access to the outdoor area; staff said the applicant indicated dogs would be supervised and would be locked up at night. A commissioner also asked about potential conflicts of interest after saying they were friends with a neighbor; county counsel guidance (discussed by staff) said personal friendship without a direct economic interest is not in itself a disqualifying conflict but that recusal remains an option if the commissioner believes an appearance-of-impropriety concern exists.

For CV2511, Short summarized an application by Abigail Joseph to operate an equestrian facility and riding arena on two adjoining parcels on Sierra Drive in Valley (AR-1 zoning, roughly two one-acre parcels). The proposal describes equine therapy and equine-assisted learning, initially serving two-to-three clients per week with potential growth to 10–15 clients weekly; proposed operating days are Friday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during April–October. Short said parking would be along Vista Drive and that the office/cabin on site would contain restrooms for clients. The applicant told staff she had scheduled a neighborhood meeting; staff allowed the applicant to provide neighborhood meeting results by the following Monday.

Commissioners asked about dust control for the riding arena and parking on unpaved roads, as well as water availability (the site is on hauled/hold water), and staff said such issues would be examined during the formal hearing and could be addressed with conditions if necessary. Commissioner Waltz noted expected dust from vehicles on dirt roads but said small lesson groups (particularly for people with disabilities) are less likely to create significant dust than large events.

Staff did not present formal recommendations at the study session; both items were informational previews to help commissioners prepare for the April 30 public hearings.