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County will decide in two weeks on proposed private riding stable after public hearing
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Summary
The council received a presentation and public comment on a conditional use permit for a private riding stable at 1872 Schneier Road. Staff recommended approval; the applicant said operations will be private and limited; a public advocate urged removal of horse-count and hours restrictions. The council will vote in two weeks.
The Saint Charles County Council heard staff and public testimony April 13 on a conditional use permit, CUP 26‑02, that would allow a private riding stable and training facility at 1872 Schneier Road.
Michael Hurlbert, director of community development, told the council the property is 16.17 acres and currently zoned agricultural. Approval of the permit would allow construction of an 8,900‑square‑foot indoor riding arena, a 5,700‑square‑foot stall barn and about 1.54 acres of pasture; staff materials listed a maximum of up to 25 horses. Hurlbert said the planning and zoning commission recommended approval 8–0 at its March 18 meeting and that there were no letters of opposition on file.
Applicant Jenna Butler, owner and head trainer of Race Stoked Dressage LLC, told the council her intent is a private, peaceful facility for her own horses and select clients. "It is my intent that my proposed horse training facility be a private, peaceful, and safe place for me to operate my horse training business," Butler said, adding the barn and arena are set back at least 190 feet from the nearest property line and that she does not plan large public events or public boarding.
Arnie C. Dienoff, county public advocate, spoke in support of the applicant but urged the council to remove staff‑recommended numeric and hours restrictions. "For staff to put a limit of, I believe, it's 20 horses ... on the applicant, I think, is totally inappropriate," Dienoff said, arguing that in an agricultural district property owners should determine appropriate livestock numbers and hours.
Hurlbert responded to the concern by saying the planning and zoning commission removed hours‑of‑operation limits at its hearing. "The hours were removed at planning and zoning. There are no hours of operation. The only hours are for lighting — no lighting on and after 8 p.m.," he said.
The council closed the public hearing and did not take a final vote on the permit at the meeting. The chair announced the item will return for final action in two weeks.
Next steps: the council will consider final passage of the CUP at its next meeting, when members may move, amend or vote to approve the permit and any related conditions.
