The Nelson County Board of Supervisors will be holding a Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2022, on proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments to amend the current definition of “Kennel” and its use in certain zoning districts.
Those who wish to comment are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing or reach out to the Board of Supervisors prior to the hearing using the information below.
Proposal Summary and Background:
Having received two separate recent inquiries regarding permitting for a commercial kennel and a service dog facility as the primary use of property, the County is seeking a potential update to the current definition for “Kennel,” and its use in certain zoning districts in order to facilitate and process the requests.
Currently, a “kennel” is defined as a place prepared to house, board, breed, handle, or otherwise keep or care for dogs, cats, or similar small animals for sale or in return for compensation. Additionally, it is considered a by-right use in certain zoning districts.
As proposed, the definition would be amended to “a place where the primary use is to house, board, breed, handle, groom, train, or otherwise keep or care for dogs, cats, or similar small animals for sale or in return for compensation.”
It also states that the definition may include additional facilities “necessary to support the operation including but not limited to office space, meeting space, and temporary lodging accommodations exclusive to those clients training with the animals.”
Additionally, the proposed amendment will remove the existing by-right use in areas zoned for Agriculture or Service Enterprise and change it to requiring a “Special Use Permit”. It adds “kennel” as by-right use in areas zoned for Business.
Existing kennels, and kennels as a secondary use in conjunction with a dwelling (home occupation) remain permitted by-right, and will not be impacted by these proposed changes. View the county site for additional Information.
What You Can Do:
Those who wish to comment are encouraged attend the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2022, in the General District Courtroom on the third floor of the Nelson County Courthouse located at 84 Courthouse Square, Lovingston, VA or by contacting the Board of Supervisors prior to the meeting.
Contact Information for the Nelson County Board of Supervisors:
Ernie Reed
David Parr
Jesse Rutherford
Thomas D. Harvey
Robert G. Barton
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor proposals in Virginia that could impact dog owners and breeders. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.