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A public hearing for an after-the-fact kennel permit authorization filled the government center planning commission meeting room with people Nov. 2, to express opposition.  

The permit hearing process ended up being continued to a second planning commission regular session December 7.

The Interim Use Permit is specific to a dog breeding and boarding/pet services operation, near the intersection of Acacia Trail and Badger Boulevard.  

The applicant expressed her preference that the action be to continue the fact-finding,  rather than an outright denial.  The Fish Lake Township Board recommended denial, according to the materials presented.

Chisago County planning staff reported the IUP application appears incomplete and there are inconsistencies causing confusion about aspects of the operations for what is dubbed “DesignerDogs MN” 

Sheryl Bearhart, who identifies as business operator and tenant of the property— and landowner Jordan Waggoner— spoke at the hearing;  with Waggoner stating he had surveyed neighbors and there are “no problems” with the status quo.   He said even the furnace repair person told him the several dogs kept as personal pets were well behaved.  

However, more than a half dozen statements were submitted into the record (written and verbal) that the dogs on site bark “for hours on end.” There are concerns about individual and small neighboring animals’ safety with the potential for double digit numbers of dogs being sought.  And, general upset was expressed in open mic as to what exactly is going on at the 40 acre parcel.

Waggoner argues that he looked at the process of applying for the Interim Use Permit as a “formality” but said it has become a “spectacle” and is “mentally exhausting.” His tenants of a little over one year are taking great care of the place, he maintained.

According to Bearhart and the agency’s website, the MN Board on Animal Health, Minnesota does not require a commercial “license” until the operation reaches 10 adult animals and five litters or more annually— which Bearhart maintains is far in excess of existing conditions.  She states on the application at most there’s a couple litters a year.

She also estimates there are approximately 10 “temporary” dogs on site at any given time plus the application asks for seven maximum private dogs.

County staff, however, referenced a pay-to-use “dog park” business which still has not been verified.  

The county wants the applicant to develop more details over the next few weeks, such as dimensions for the kennel area (other than stating animals are kept inside of a garage) and a layout of future enclosures, along with results of noise checks on-site.  

Planning Commissioner Chris DuBose noted for Bearhart’s benefit that she must make sure there’s access to the property next time planning officials attempt to visit.  If she continues to seek an Interim Use Permit actual conditions need to assessed and fencing, etcetera needs to be observed to see if they meet standards.  

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