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Planning staff recommends approval of conditional use permit for dog-grooming business in Deer Lodge
Summary
Planning staff told the Land Use Board it supports a conditional use permit for an experienced dog groomer who plans a small, no-boarding shop on a corner lot in Deer Lodge, contingent on building- and utility-code compliance.
Planning staff recommended the Land Use Board approve a conditional use permit for a proposed dog-grooming business in Deer Lodge, saying the applicant has experience and intends a small operation with no boarding.
The staff presentation said the applicant, identified in the record as Brittany Malmberg, has been a dog groomer for about 14 years in Helena and wants to return her business to Deer Lodge. Staff said Malmberg owns two adjoining lots and plans to build on the corner parcel; she does not live on the business lot but owns both properties. "I'd recommend to approve this permit," the planning staff said, adding that approval should be conditioned on the new building meeting city code and securing required building and utility permits.
Why it matters: the board must balance neighborhood impacts and code requirements while encouraging small-business activity downtown. Staff emphasized that the operation would be limited in scale — typically one client at a time — and would not include animal boarding.
Details the board discussed: staff said the applicant plans two parking spaces (one for the current customer and one for the next in exchange), and that the business would generally serve a single dog at a time unless a customer has multiple pets. A board member raised questions about site access and how wastewater from grooming would be handled; staff said wastewater and any required separators or tanks would be reviewed with the city’s permit reviewer (identified in the meeting as Trent) if the permit moves forward.
No public written opposition was reported in the record, though staff said family members next door had verbally expressed support. The transcript records no formal motion or vote on the permit during this meeting.
What happens next: staff said that if the board approves a conditional use permit, the applicant must obtain building and utility hookups and demonstrate compliance with setback and height restrictions before operating. The board did not record a final action in the transcript; any formal approval, conditions or permits will be reflected in subsequent official minutes or permit records.
