Richmond planning commission backs code change that eases requirements for ‘de facto’ kennels

RICHMOND, Utah — The Richmond City Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously March 3 to recommend that the City Council adopt Ordinance 2026-01, which amends the city’s animal control code to clarify the definition of a “de facto kennel” and remove a neighbor-signature requirement from kennel applications.

The commission voted 5-0 after a public hearing and brief discussion. Commissioner Cache Christensen moved to recommend approval and Commissioner Cindy Allen seconded; the vote in favor was recorded for Allen, Christensen, Hortin, Smith and Wallis. Earlier in the meeting, the panel also unanimously approved the Feb. 3 meeting minutes (Cindy Allen moved; Cache Christensen seconded).

Under the revised language described by City Recorder Justin Lewis, a de facto kennel is defined in the code as a household that had three or more dogs legally licensed at the residence as of Jan. 31, 2003. The ordinance text discussed at the commission would protect existing de facto kennels from a 20,000-square-foot land requirement while still requiring affected properties to obtain a conditional use permit and pay the license fee; protections are lost if a kennel ceases operation for one calendar year or ownership changes without immediate continuation of identical kennel use.

At the public hearing, resident Pat Jenkins said she has maintained a kennel license since 1974 and asked how the change would affect longstanding licensees. "This ordinance will not impact her or her family," Justin Lewis told Jenkins and her husband, Morty, and he complimented them for keeping licenses current and in compliance. Jenkins and Morty Jenkins also asked about enforcement; City Administrator HollyJo Karren said enforcement is handled by Cache County Animal Control under the city’s contract with the county.

Commissioners discussed the practical effect of removing the requirement that an agreement signed by immediately adjacent neighbors be submitted with a kennel application. Brent Wallis noted that neighbor-consent provisions can be problematic to administer; Commissioner Wallis also said, "This will allow the defense ability of someone who might not be following the code, to claim that they have had a kennel permit prior to 2003," as part of the rationale for clarifying the ordinance text to improve enforcement options.

Commissioners emphasized that the change is intended to make license holders more accountable and to leave nuisance enforcement tools in place. The commission’s recommendation sends Ordinance 2026-01 to the Richmond City Council for final consideration.

The commission also briefly discussed detached accessory dwelling units and state legislation: staff said the commission is awaiting outcomes of the current legislative session before making local regulatory changes. The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.; the commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2026.