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County approves conditional use permit for private dog training facility south of Littlefork
Summary
The Koochiching County Board approved a conditional use permit Oct. 28 allowing Tara and Paul Slaton to operate a private dog training facility at a new home on a 140‑acre parcel at 5380 Towne Road 99; planning staff and neighbors supported the proposal and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval.
The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 28 approved a conditional use permit (CUP) allowing Tara and Paul Slaton to operate a private dog‑training facility at a new home on a 140‑acre parcel at 5380 Towne Road 99, about 2 miles south of Littlefork.
Planning staff reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing Oct. 9 and recommended approval. Staff said the property has ample space, the proposed building is set well back from the road, and supporting site plans had been provided. Staff also said letters from nearby neighbors and others were submitted in support of the CUP.
Tara and Paul Slaton described the planned operation as seasonal: they expect to be on site mid‑May to mid‑October and to use an indoor training facility for weekday training sessions, roughly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They said the dogs are kept quiet, live adjacent to handlers, and are not left unattended; helpers would care for animals if the owners are briefly away. The Slatons said they typically train a small number of dogs (recently 15 or fewer) and specialize in early career training before dogs go to show trainers.
Planning staff reviewed the CUP criteria and concluded the use would not conflict with the county shoreline management ordinance, would not unreasonably affect adjacent properties, and is consistent with the area's development pattern. The board voted to approve the CUP; the motion was carried by voice vote with no roll call recorded.
Next steps: staff will prepare the recording document and inform the applicants of recording fees and administrative steps needed to finalize the permit.
