The Farr West Planning Commission recommended approval to the City Council for two separate items: a conditional-use permit for a home kennel/business license at an existing residential property and an accessory-building permit for an expansion attached to an existing agricultural/shop building.

Kennel: conditional-use permit recommendation

The commission opened a public hearing on a conditional-use permit and residential-business license request from applicant Sophie Parkin, who said she provides pet-sitting services and anticipates caring for no more than four dogs at a time for short periods. The planning staff reminded the commission that a residential business license requires that the business operations be largely invisible to neighbors—no signage, no extra traffic, and compliance with the city’s noise ordinance.

A neighbor, Donna Cornell (2311 West 2325 North), spoke in opposition, citing concerns about noise, increased traffic and children’s safety in the area. Commissioners noted that the business-license renewal process provides an enforcement checkpoint; one commissioner said that if the licensee does not comply with the noise ordinance or other code provisions, “that could be subject to scrutiny by the city council in their review for the renewal of the business license,” and that complaints could lead to license revocation.

The commission moved to recommend approval of the conditional-use kennel license to the City Council with the understanding the applicant must comply with all applicable city ordinances (noise and residential business requirements). The motion was moved by Commissioner Lou and seconded by Commissioner Greg; the commission voted in favor.

Accessory building: Steve Peterson, 2444 West Taylor Road

The commission also opened a public hearing on an accessory-building permit application from Steve Peterson to add an attached expansion to an existing shop/barn. Mr. Peterson explained the addition will extend 20 feet (with a 2-foot kick-out) on one side and 22 feet on another side to enclose items currently parked outdoors. The commission closed the hearing and recommended approval to the City Council. The motion to recommend approval was made by Commissioner Greg and seconded by Commissioner Jason; the vote carried.

Other procedural items

The commission approved minutes from the Nov. 14, 2024 meeting by unanimous vote.

Votes at a glance

- Recommendation to City Council: Conditional-use permit for kennel (Sophie Parkin, 2318 North 2300 West) — motion moved by Lou, seconded by Greg; outcome: recommend approval to City Council; enforcement: license renewal and code enforcement can lead to revocation if complaints/violations occur.

- Recommendation to City Council: Accessory-building permit (Steve Peterson, 2444 West Taylor Road) — motion moved by Greg, seconded by Jason; outcome: recommend approval to City Council.

Quotes

“If you do not perform the way you say you are and you are in violation of code, then that will be considered when your license is renewed,” a commissioner told the kennel applicant.

Ending

Both recommendations will be forwarded to the Farr West City Council; applicants were told the council meeting will be Jan. 2 and were advised of applicable permit and license renewal processes.