Southampton County Planning Commission approves conditional use permit for Bucks Dog Training

The Southampton County Planning Commission on a unanimous vote approved a conditional use permit (CUP 2026-01) for Bucks Dog Training, the application by Stephanie Loria to operate a canine training facility at 34577 Monroe Road (Tax Parcel 115‑18H). Planning staff told commissioners the revised application and site plan reserve a fenced training area of roughly 3.58 acres and add proffers on hours of operation, traffic mitigation, waste management and buffering.

Planning staff Mr. Prince summarized the updates to the packet and said the applicant had addressed the questions raised at the April hearing, including revised acreage, a revised site plan showing the fencing of the 3.58‑acre training area, and additional proffers. "I think we did a pretty good job with it," Mr. Prince said when describing the changes that staff had requested and the applicant provided.

Commissioners questioned whether the operation would include firearms or police/military‑style training; the presenter clarified the facility will provide obedience and foundational training and service‑dog training for veterans and said it would not train police or military dogs. A commissioner asked whether selling treats or other pet‑supply items at the residence would require a conditional use permit; staff and the applicant clarified that on‑farm production of animal feed/treats may be permitted under agricultural rules but that separate retail sales at a residence could require conditional use approval.

A motion to approve the application with the proffers on the record was made, seconded and carried unanimously; the chair noted Commissioner Bridal had recused himself earlier in the discussion. The commission closed the public hearing, approved the CUP and encouraged the applicant to remain in contact with county staff during the permitting and labeling stages.

What happens next: The conditional use permit approval allows the applicant to proceed with required follow‑up steps (plan review, permitting and any labeling approvals required by the state). County staff advised the applicant to coordinate with the zoning administrator and the community development office on the site‑plan and licensing steps.