The Northumberland County Planning Commission on Nov. 20 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional-use permit for a proposed commercial kennel at 3150 North Umbleton Highway.

John Runkle, the property owner and applicant, told the commission he plans a commercially built kennel operation with 10 indoor kennels, an office and outdoor exercise runs. He introduced Athena Walters as the proposed manager and said construction of the modular kennels from the vendor Bruiser Kennels would take about six to eight weeks after county approval.

Runkle said the facility would provide boarding and daytime care only; he said there would be no breeding and no training services. Staffing would cover roughly 12–14 hours per day, he added, and he plans to install cameras for monitoring. Runkle said he has not yet planned a new septic system and expects to handle animal waste initially with routine scooping and municipal trash removal unless future demand requires different measures.

Commissioners asked about visibility from North Umbleton Highway; Runkle said the house and proposed structures sit well back from the road and that neighboring vegetation and topography make the site visually screened. He said he has notified nearby property owners and reported no objections at the time of the hearing.

A commissioner moved to recommend approval of the conditional-use permit “with the adoption of the recommendations that have been provided by the county,” and another commissioner seconded. The commission voted in favor with aye responses and the motion passed. Stuart, the planning staff member, emphasized that the planning commission’s action is a recommendation and the Board of Supervisors will hold a December public hearing and make the final determination.

The planning staff noted that standard conditional-use conditions will apply, including obtaining any required permits and licenses and complying with sign regulations; staff counsel (Mr. Martin) will assist the applicant with required signage applications if the Board of Supervisors approves the recommendation.

The Board of Supervisors’ hearing is scheduled in December; the commission’s recommendation does not grant the permit and the county will post notice for the board hearing.