Commission approves after‑the‑fact Smiling Dogs permits with mitigation; proposed extra surveys fail

San Mateo County’s Planning Commission voted 4–0 to adopt a mitigated negative declaration and approve after‑the‑fact coastal development, agricultural and kennel permits for a business operating as Smiling Dogs (PLN202100432), after hearing public comment and staff presentation.

Commissioner Garcia moved to adopt the MND and approve the after‑the‑fact coastal development permit, agricultural district permit, agricultural review permit and kennel permit, citing the recommended findings and conditions in the staff packet. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nugent and carried unanimously.

During deliberations Commissioner Burrows proposed an amendment to require follow‑up focused surveys for California red‑legged frog, San Francisco garter snake and pond turtles within a year of the existing surveys, citing concerns the operation had been running unpermitted for several years and that ecological conditions could change. That proposed amendment failed for lack of majority support and did not become part of the approval.

Staff noted that the recommended conditions already include focused biological surveys (condition of approval number 11) developed with input from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Coast Ridge Ecology; staff also described mitigation steps to follow if focused surveys find impacts.

Owner Peter Markey and supporters said the facility’s practices and a grassy filter strip between the dog exercise area and the agricultural reservoir reduce risks to water quality. The commission approved the project with the conditions contained in the staff packet.

Outcome: The commission carried the approving motion 4–0 and the permits and MND were adopted as recommended by staff.