Planning commission approves Marz kennel conditional use permit with 10-cat limit

The Ephraim City Planning Commission on March 11 approved a conditional use permit allowing the Marz household to operate a temporary home-based kennel to trap, spay/neuter and rehome cats, subject to staff conditions and a limit of 10 total cats.

City Planner Megan Spurling explained that Ephraim code allows up to four household pets without a kennel license and that a conditional use permit is required for higher numbers. Applicant Jackson Marz said the program would focus on community stray cats and that they would likely hold about two cats at a time while arranging veterinary services and adoptions. "We would likely hold about two cats at one time," Jackson Marz said.

Neighbor Richard Wheeler said he initially feared nuisances such as flies and odor based on a prior, unrelated case in the neighborhood but that after hearing the applicant’s plan he was no longer concerned, adding, "I'm not concerned if it is a reasonable number of pets." Planner Spurling told the commission that the city’s business-license processes allow the city to address complaints and re-evaluate permits if issues arise.

Commissioner Larry Smith moved to approve the conditional use permit as recommended by staff with the conditions in the staff report and an added maximum of 10 cats; Commissioner Desiree Funk seconded the motion. The motion carried.

The permit is subject to the conditions discussed during the hearing; the commission did not record an administrative enforcement schedule but staff noted standard complaint-based enforcement and the ability to revisit the permit if the public files verified complaints.