Newberry opens review of kennel and small‑animal boarding rules after resident‑operator dispute

Summary

Commissioners opened a broad review of rules governing commercial kennels and small‑animal boarding on Feb. 23 after an operator sought a business license and neighbors raised noise concerns. No ordinance was adopted; staff was directed to return with draft options for acreage, setbacks, buffers and animal limits.

The City of Newberry commission on Feb. 23 held an extended discussion about revising municipal code sections that govern commercial kennels, veterinary clinics and small‑animal boarding in agricultural zoning areas. The item was city‑initiated after an operator sought a business license and staff and commissioners said the current code contains inconsistencies and enforcement challenges.

Community development director Stacy Hectes told the commission the planning and zoning board recommended aligning the Land Development Regulations with the comprehensive plan and discussed raising the minimum acreage from 4 to 5 acres for certain ag uses. Staff also flagged enforcement difficulties — for example, limiting overnight boarding to "no more than 30 consecutive days" is difficult to verify without records — and proposed clearer buffer and setback language to address noise.

Commissioner Jordan Marlowe said the conversation was initiated to provide a lawful…

Newberry opens review of kennel and small‑animal boarding rules after resident‑operator dispute

Summary

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