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Yadkin County board approves special-use permit for family-run kennel in East Bend
Summary
The Yadkin County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved Special Use Permit SUP26-002 on April 13 to allow Big Oak Kennels and Training, a family-operated dog boarding, daycare and training business on Big Oak Drive. Staff clarified zoning setbacks, lighting, and buffering requirements; the applicant described building size, capacity and training services.
The Yadkin County Board of Adjustment on April 13 unanimously approved Special Use Permit SUP26-002 to allow Big Oak Kennels and Training, a family-owned dog boarding, daycare and training operation at 1029 Big Oak Drive in East Bend.
Karen Carter, the property owner and applicant, told the board the business is projected to begin operations in July 2026 and will operate from a newly constructed 30-by-50-foot metal building with concrete floors and 2-inch fiberglass insulation. "Big Oak Kennels and Training will be a family-owned and operated small-scale kennel designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and personalized care in a low-stress, home-like environment," Carter said. She said the facility will open with an overnight boarding capacity of 15 dogs and a total daily capacity of up to 25, with indoor kennels approximately 4 feet by 6 feet and a secured 6-foot outdoor play area.
The board heard clarifying questions from Chair Richard Foster and members about the scope of training and site layout. Foster asked whether the business would offer police K-9 training; Karen Carter said it would not, though she said the operation might consider beginner-level search-and-rescue classes in the future. The applicant said the home sits on a 13-acre tract and the kennel will be on a deeded 2-acre parcel separated to support the business plan.
Planning staff explained how the proposal fits the county zoning rules. Kaelan Everhart, Planning and Zoning Officer, said kennels are permitted in the RA district by Special Use Permit under Section 111-280 and noted supplemental requirements in Section 111-475(c)(24) that address setbacks, outdoor lighting and buffering. Brittany Anderson, Planning and Zoning Supervisor, clarified that the site plan’s double-setback notation related to a home-occupation standard and that the kennel, now on its own parcel, is treated as the principal structure for setback calculations under the kennel supplement.
No members of the public spoke in opposition. After the public hearing was closed, Jeff Smith, Vice Chair, moved to approve SUP26-002; Scott Pipes seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The record shows staff mailed notice to adjacent property owners and received one inquiry before the hearing.
The board’s minutes and staff packet list the ordinance sections and application materials considered, including required site plans, notification and the General Special Use Permit findings the board must make under Section 111-470(b). The meeting adjourned after the approval and recording of findings; the minutes were signed by Chair Richard Foster.
