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Anchorage UDC approves variance allowing Camp Bow Wow three outdoor play areas
Summary
The Anchorage Urban Design Commission approved a design variance for Camp Bow Wow on Sept. 10, 2025, allowing three outdoor play areas for small domestic animals. Staff found the application met all eight variance standards; the commission voted 6-0.
The Anchorage Urban Design Commission on Sept. 10 approved a design variance allowing Camp Bow Wow to install three fenced outdoor play areas on the north side of a proposed animal boarding building at Burwood Street and E 60th Avenue.
Planning staff told the commission the applicant originally listed a 6-foot screening fence but will install an 8-foot screening fence and that no design variance is required for the taller fence. Staff concluded the application met the eight standards required for a variance under the Anchorage Municipal Code and recommended approval subject to the conditions listed in the staff packet. "They're actually going to install an 8 foot tall screening fence," staff said during the presentation.
Petitioner representatives said the lot is zoned I-1 (light industrial) and that the building and outdoor play areas are sited to maximize separation from nearby residences. "We have 94 kennels in the property to accommodate daycare and boarding," petitioner Gordon Sloan said, noting the outdoor play yards would be used more in summer and that dogs would not be left outside unattended. Sloan added kennels could be doubled up in some cases, increasing capacity above 94.
Staff told commissioners the outdoor play areas would be approximately 315 feet from the nearest residential structure and about 228 feet from the closest residential property line, which the planner said meets the intent of Title 21's separation standards. Staff also reported the planning department mailed 112 public hearing notices and received no public comments.
Commissioner Julia Foland, who moved to approve the variance, reviewed the approval criteria on the record and said, "I think all the approval criterias are met." Commissioner Lenegg, who seconded the motion, said he agreed with Foland and staff that the proposal meets the intent of Title 21 even though it does not meet the exact letter of the 100-foot measurement. The commission voted 6-0 to approve case 2025-0103.
The approval allows three small domestic animal outdoor play areas on the north side of the building and is subject to conditions 1 and 2 in the staff packet (see staff report). Under Anchorage procedures, any party of interest wishing to appeal must file a written notice of intent to appeal with the planning director within seven days of the Commission's decision and follow the appeals process described in AMC 21.03.
