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River Heights planning commission approves conditional use permit allowing resident three dogs with conditions
Summary
The River Heights Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Shane Rowley to keep three dogs at his home, imposing conditions including adherence to the city noise ordinance, waste removal, and that the permit is revocable for repeated complaints or if the resident moves.
The River Heights Planning Commission voted Tuesday to approve a conditional use permit allowing resident Shane Rowley to keep three dogs at his property, with conditions that address noise, waste removal and compliance with the municipal code.
The permit was requested so Rowley could have one dog for each of his three children. During a public hearing, Rowley told the commission, “We just simply wanna have 3 dogs, 1 for each 1 of our kids.” He also said the yard is fully fenced and that the animals have not escaped on their own; “The kids have left the gates open before, but it's not they've never escaped on their own.”
Commissioners said the permit is conditional and may be revoked if complaints arise or if animal control becomes involved. A commission member noted the municipal code section that governs kennel and animal use permits (chapter 5-2-4) and asked Rowley to read that section and to comply with it. The motion approving the permit included requirements to observe the city noise ordinance and to ensure waste is picked up and removed.
Neighbors who spoke at the hearing offered mostly supportive comments with concerns about past barking. Resident Mike Jablonski said the commission should “give him due consideration,” describing long experience holding a kennel license and saying people who follow the rules typically are “gonna be a good neighbor.” Tom Allen, who said he lives next door, said Rowley’s dogs “have been quite noisy” in the past but that recent measures, including use of bark collars, have improved the situation.
Recorder Sheila Lynn confirmed there were no written objections received by staff during the brief interval she had been away. Staff and commissioners reiterated that conditional use permits are revocable: if multiple complaints occur or animal-control enforcement is required, the permit can be revoked.
The commission’s approval will take effect after the minutes from the next meeting are approved and the item is processed by city staff.
