Planning commission conditionally approves 40,000 sq. ft. indoor dog facility at Meadow Branch Industrial Park

The Westminster Planning Commission voted to conditionally approve the site development plan S-180037 to construct a 40,000-square-foot indoor dog cleaning, training and event facility at Lot 5A of Meadow Branch Industrial Park, with planning staff directed to work with the applicant on facade and entrance architectural details.

Staff told the commission the proposal meets the city's parking, landscaping and site requirements and noted a prior water transfer for the property. The packet and staff presentation said the applicant previously obtained a water transfer in 2020; staff clarified the property is not requesting a full water allocation from the city and that the transfer reduces the city allocation required for the new use.

Commission and public discussion focused on three issues: exterior architecture and how the building will be perceived from adjacent roadways and residences; noise from dogs and whether the proposed interior design and insulation will contain sound; and where, if at all, dogs would be taken outdoors to relieve themselves. Planning staff said the building has been designed to contain noise and that the use is a special exception subject to distance and other controls. The applicant's representative and neighbors said a similar business operating nearby had not created noise or waste problems in past years.

On outdoor dog-relief areas, staff and the commission clarified that the site development plan should show any outdoor activity areas if they are part of the proposed use. The zoning administrator will make a determination about whether a proposed outdoor area is part of the approved use and what screening or fencing may be required. Commissioners noted a steep slope behind the building that may limit a rear-yard relief area, and suggested any outdoor relief area would likely be in front or side yards and should be located and screened thoughtfully.

Architectural issues drew extended comment. Commissioners said the building has improved since earlier submissions but that the elevations visible from the street and primary parking areas require additional treatment to avoid long blank walls. Staff and commissioners asked the applicant to return with refinements for the street-facing elevations or to allow staff to work with the applicant on specified facade features; the commission approved conditional site-plan approval with that condition.

The motion, as read into the record, granted conditional approval subject to resolution of outstanding city and county comments, submittal of required signature sets and allowing planning staff to work with the applicant on architectural accommodations. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Key project facts: proposal S-180037 for a 40,000-square-foot indoor dog cleaning, training and events facility on Lot 5A, Meadow Branch Industrial Park; applicant has documented a prior water transfer (2020); staff found parking and landscaping conforming; no permanent outdoor runs are included in the plan as presented.

Next steps: staff will work with the applicant on facade revisions and clarify any required site-plan changes for outdoor relief areas; if staff and applicant cannot reach agreement, the applicant must return to the commission for additional review.

Sources: Planning staff presentation, applicant testimony, commission discussion and voice vote recorded in the meeting minutes.