Shakopee board overturns staff and approves home-occupation dog daycare at 1424 Primrose Lane

The Shakopee Board of Adjustment and Appeals voted unanimously on June 4 to reverse a city staff denial and approve a home-occupation permit allowing dog daycare and boarding at 1424 Primrose Lane.

The board’s vote overturns a staff decision that was based on neighborhood objections collected during the administrative review for the permit. City staff had notified property owners within 500 feet and reported receiving four emails and one phone call opposing the application; the denial was made under the appeal process described in city code section 151.016A.

Applicant Allison Newatterad, owner of Barks Belly Rubs and Beyond Pet Sitting LLC, testified that she has operated the business since March 2025, described daily routines and mitigation measures (meet-and-greets, trial stays, separation gates, interior and exterior cameras), and said staff did not engage with her to discuss or redact neighbor comments before denying the permit. "I thought that it was unjust and unfair," Newatterad said, adding that only one neighbor had ever addressed her directly about barking. She told commissioners she typically cares for one or two dogs, increases to as many as four only during holidays, and uses cameras and supervised outdoor time to limit noise and safety issues.

Resident Gary Youngs spoke in support, saying he had visited the property several times and "did not see dogs running rampant in the backyard" or persistent barking. "I have no idea why this is a concern," Youngs said.

Commissioners debated whether the staff process gives too much weight to neighborhood objections for uses that are not allowed by right. Several members, including Commissioner Robbins and Commissioner Foresight, said they had not heard evidence at the hearing that the business created a neighborhood nuisance and cited the applicant’s mitigation measures and operating record as reasons to reverse the denial. Mr. Kurski of city staff told the board that the ordinance adopted in October 2025 allows neighbors within 500 feet to comment and that home-occupation permits are privileges subject to neighborhood feedback.

Commissioner Robbins moved to reverse staff’s decision and approve the home-occupation permit; Commissioner Foresight seconded. The board voted 6–0 to overturn the denial and approve the permit. Mr. Kurski noted that verified complaints handled by public safety could trigger a future revocation under the city process.

The applicant must still obtain any required dog boarding/daycare licensing and comply with conditions in the ordinance; affected neighbors or other parties may appeal the board’s decision to the city council.