Commission approves variance for kennel at 1781 3rd Street SE with sound‑mitigation conditions

The board of adjustment voted to grant a variance letting Keith and Deanna Cundy operate a kennel boarding business for up to 12 dogs at 1781 3rd Street Southeast, a property in Zone R7 where kennels are not a permitted use. City planner Barry Cranston told commissioners he originally recommended limiting occupancy to eight dogs but revised that recommendation after the applicants agreed to additional insulation and other sound‑mitigation measures.

Cr anston said the applicants offered a detailed plan of separate, insulated rooms "similar to a hotel room" with raised dog beds, TVs and two feet of roof insulation; he also noted the joint planning commission had voted unanimously to support the 12‑dog proposal. "After meeting with them and them agreeing to some compromises and adding some additional insulation and sound barrier type of materials, I had changed my recommendation to allow them the maximum 12," Cranston said.

Keith Cundy described the facility layout, saying the indoor play area will be 15 feet by 32 feet on the south side of the building and that kennels on the north end of the building will not be opened toward the adjacent neighbor. He said kennels will be insulated, outdoor runs will be fenced with solid wood to prevent dogs from seeing one another, ventilation systems will be provided, and the facility will be staffed around the clock so dogs are not left unattended.

Diane Cundy, introduced by her husband, said the plan grew from years of personal experience and that the design intentionally avoids open cages.

A commissioner asked about ordinances or nuisance processes that would address barking; staff and applicants said the usual noise‑complaint and nuisance procedures remain in effect and the facility’s design and staffing were intended to limit overnight outdoor activity. Cranston said the planning commission had not recommended additional hours restrictions but the applicants agreed to reinforce the ceiling and north wall and to insulate individual kennels.

A commissioner noted a conflict of interest and recused themselves before the roll call. The motion to approve the variance with Cranston’s recommended insulation and a maximum of 12 dogs passed by roll call vote.

The approval allows the Condys to proceed under the conditions described; the applicants and planning staff may be required to submit final construction or mitigation details for compliance review before full operation.