Planning commission recommends permit for Treasured Hounds grooming and small boarding business on East Main

The Yukon Planning Commission on July 13 recommended approval of a special-use permit allowing Treasured Hounds Inc. to lease a vacant building at 4 East Main for pet grooming and limited overnight boarding.

Rene Frias, president of Treasured Hounds Inc., said the business seeks a four-year lease (with possible renewal) and plans primarily grooming services with expanded boarding as capacity allows. Manager Valerie Cates told the commission she has managed the business for about three years and said, "We're thinking roughly, I mean, 8 dogs. No more than 10 dogs." She added the operation would be small-scale and intended for existing clientele.

Staff and commissioners discussed licensing and inspection requirements. A staff member cited ordinance 14-66 (adopted in 2024) and said kennel, breeding and overnight boarding include additional permitting, a state license where thresholds apply, and quarterly inspections by code enforcement. Commissioners asked about capacity limits, weight restrictions and transportation permits; the applicants said they do not plan to kennel at large scale, are not breeding, and will comply with applicable licensing. Staff noted specific code sections mentioned in the record (Section 14-39 and Section 14-40) and said the city could require conditions tied to state and local permits.

The commission voted to recommend approval (roll call recorded Geiss: Yes, Knuckles: Yes, Clark: Yes). The commission noted that the planning commission is advisory and that the City Council will make the final decision; council consideration was confirmed for the July 28 meeting.

Next steps: The matter will be forwarded to the city council with the staff report and public testimony for final action.