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Planning board recommends ordinance changes to clarify dog boarding and training rules
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Summary
The New Bern Planning and Zoning Board voted April 16 to recommend a text amendment that adds definitions for boarding and indoor/outdoor dog training and updates the table of permissible uses so modern animal-service businesses can be permitted more clearly.
The New Bern Planning and Zoning Board voted April 16 to recommend a text amendment to the city zoning ordinance that would add modern definitions for boarding, indoor dog training and outdoor dog training and adjust the table of permissible uses to replace the term "kennel" in most places.
The change, presented by the director of development services, is intended to streamline permitting for a growing number of animal-related businesses and distinguish indoor from outdoor activities so outdoor operations can be subject to separate standards. "This amendment is actually very simple," the director of development services said. "It is short. It is sweet. It is concise, and it cleans up a lot of problems." Staff recommended that the board forward the amendment to the Board of Aldermen for final action.
Under the proposal, boarding and indoor training uses would be defined and listed in the table of uses; some outdoor activities would require a special-use permit so the Board of Adjustment could review the four criteria for such uses. The director told the board outdoor uses often generate lights and noise and therefore merit different processing, much like outdoor dining and bars.
Board members asked whether the draft should include explicit fencing or on-leash requirements for outdoor uses. One member suggested adding fencing language; staff responded that the Board of Adjustment often requires fences when approving outdoor animal uses and that such conditions could be added during special-use review. Staff also clarified that accessory caretaking functions described in the indoor-training definition are intended to occur indoors, while outdoor training is covered by a separate definition.
After discussion, a board member moved and the board seconded a motion to recommend the changes to the Board of Aldermen; the motion carried by voice vote. The board’s recommendation is advisory — the proposed ordinance must still be adopted by the Board of Aldermen. If the aldermen approve the text amendment at their May meeting, the revised definitions and table of uses would take effect per the ordinance adoption process.
