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Planning commission recommends approval for Andover Dog Training Center to expand boarding and training limits
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval of a special-use permit allowing Andover Dog Training Center to exceed a three-dog limit for training and to offer limited boarding; the applicant said they will use sanitation and monitoring measures and hold an Augusta stray-dog contract that could result in occasional short-term boarding.
The Andover Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special-use permit that would allow the Andover Dog Training Center to exceed the current three-dog limit for on-site training and to operate limited boarding.
Scott Ston, owner of Andover Dog Training Center, explained the business has operated at the site for three years as a training facility and now seeks flexibility to provide limited boarding and to accommodate additional training dogs when needed. "We have been running Andover Dog Training Center out of there for the past three years," Ston said. "I need to get the permission to have boarding."
Staff told the commission the subject property is in a B2 neighborhood business district and currently limits boarding; the applicant requested authorization for up to 20 dogs on site at a given time for training and limited boarding use, and said they do not intend to operate a kennel as defined under local and state law. The applicant also said they hold a contract with the city of Augusta to house stray dogs on occasion, noting that contract would allow up to five dogs under that agreement and that the facility will hold stray animals for up to four days while the city attempts reunion or placement.
Commissioners questioned operational details: how long a boarded dog would remain at the site, whether staff are present overnight, monitoring and vaccination controls, and whether dogs are allowed outside to run. Ston said dogs would generally not co-mingle outdoors to avoid disease transmission and that cameras and a nearby groomer — who lives adjacent to the facility — would help monitor animals in the evenings.
After staff walked the commission through the 14 findings of fact (sewage/water service, compatibility with the comprehensive plan, screening and access), Commissioner Gary Israel moved to recommend approval based on findings 6, 8, 10 and 12; the motion was seconded and carried.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the governing body for final action. Any conditions attached by the governing body will be communicated in the eventual resolution and permit.
