Planning commissioners recommend approval of rezoning application; applicant says intent is kennel use

The Montrose County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a rezoning application at its October 2025 meeting. The applicant, who identified himself in the record as “Harry Pointe empty” and gave 2370 Locust Road as the property address, said the rezoning would allow a future kennel special‑use permit for short‑term dog boarding.

Planning staff (identified in the transcript as Talmadge) told the commission the request seeks to change the parcel from suburban residential to general agricultural. The parcel is located on Locust Road east of the 6600 Road, has an existing house, is served by Tri‑County water and uses septic for wastewater disposal. Staff said the applicant’s narrative described an intent to pursue a kennel permit if the rezone is approved, but the commission was asked to consider the rezone only.

The applicant described typical stays as “a day, might be a week, might be 2 weeks,” and said, “we plan on… doggy run areas for each kennel, and then we'll also have a fenced off large area to let dogs out individually or ones that get along with each other.” Commissioners asked about proximity to city boundaries, nearby subdivisions and potential traffic impacts on Locust Road; the applicant said he did not expect substantial traffic beyond regular drop‑off and pickup flows and acknowledged a nearby school and future development could affect peak traffic times.

Commission discussion focused on whether the rezoning conforms with the master plan map versus the plan’s broader vision. Staff noted the master plan map designates the site for suburban residential even though surrounding uses include agricultural and rural residential. Commissioner comments said the request “could be argued either way” on consistency with the map and that it was reasonably in harmony with existing uses.

Buck moved to approve the rezoning based on the staff report’s evaluation of the approval criteria (the motion as spoken referenced paragraph/section 5 of the staff report). David seconded. The chair stated the motion carried unanimously. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action next month.

The record reflects multiple spellings of the rezoning item in the transcript (variants include “Palante,” “Flonte,” “Ponte” and other forms). The commission’s action recorded here describes only the advisory recommendation taken; the Board of County Commissioners will make the final decision.