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Board approves five‑year event permit for Happy Dog Ranch fundraiser
Summary
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners approved a five‑year major entertainment permit for Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary to hold an annual late‑May fundraiser for up to 300 guests, subject to four staff conditions including required permits, inspections and documented commitments from the applicant.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on May 12 approved a five‑year major entertainment permit allowing Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary to host an annual open house, dinner and music event for up to 300 guests at 3640 North State Highway 67.
Matt Jacobowski of the County’s Community Development division told commissioners the site, zoned A‑1, has hosted similar events in 2024 and 2025 and that referrals produced standard comments with no public opposition. Jacobowski said the applicant complies with county health requirements, West Douglas Fire and the sheriff offered no concerns, and because the applicant capped attendance at 300 people a traffic study was not required. Staff recommended approval with four conditions covering annual proof of required inspections and permits, building and electrical permits, valid food‑service licenses for vendors, and reliance on commitments made in the public record.
John Spelain, who identified himself as head volunteer for Happy Dog Ranch, described the ranch’s community programs for youth and veterans and said the five‑year approval would streamline future fundraising efforts. Commissioners praised the ranch’s work and noted they had received no public complaints about prior events.
A commissioner moved to approve Project E2026‑003 with the four staff conditions; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.
The approval requires the applicant to secure all permits and pass any on‑site inspections before each year’s event and to honor all commitments made during the hearing or recorded in writing, as laid out in the staff conditions.
