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Council approves variance and interim use permit allowing one horse on 3.49‑acre platted lot
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Summary
After planning commission recommendation, the council granted a variance from code section 10‑151(c) and approved an interim use permit to keep one horse at 656 192nd Avenue NE subject to conditions including a one‑acre fenced pasture, setbacks, manure management and a six‑month nonuse termination.
The East Bethel City Council on April 13 approved two related land‑use actions to allow one horse on a 3.49‑acre platted parcel at 656 192nd Avenue Northeast.
Planning staff (speaker 14) explained the request was processed in two steps: (1) a variance from section 10‑151(c) of the East Bethel City Code, which restricts interim use permits for domestic farm animals on platted lots, and (2) the interim use permit (IUP) itself. Staff and the planning commission found the parcel’s rural residential designation, surrounding horsekeeping on adjacent parcels, and the parcel size supported a variance and recommended approval with conditions.
The council approved Resolution 2026‑19 granting the variance and Resolution 2026‑20 approving the IUP. Conditions outlined in the draft resolution and permit include limiting the permit to a single horse, requiring at least one acre of fenced pasture, compliance with building and operational standards (shelter setbacks, manure management, animal health and welfare), nontransferability of the permit, and automatic termination after six months of nonuse.
Council members who visited the property noted neighboring parcels already kept horses and expressed support for the applicant’s process. Staff said the planning commission had held a public hearing and adopted findings of fact in its resolution.
The resolutions passed by voice vote and staff will finalize the IUP documentation and return with a formal PUD amendment or other administrative paperwork as needed.
