Minutes - Council - 09/23/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Strommen stated the public hearing was held at the Planning Commission; however, she would open the floor for comment by the applicants, Diane and David Mattsen, and a resident who had requested the opportunity to make comment. Patricia Drexler, 14060 Fluorine Street NW, stated her concern with the frequency that the applicant has many dogs on their property and the high level of noise, even after 10 p.m. She stated her objection to allowing seven dogs on this property, noting six other neighbors had also signed a petition objecting to this request. Planning Intern Olson answered questions of the Council, indicating the subject site is 1.28 acres. Councilmember Tossey recounted the size of properties in his neighborhood and number of dogs within an area of about 1.28 acres. He noted the resident has property rights and if there is a noise violation, the Police Department should be called so a decibel reading can be taken to determine whether it is in fact a violation of City Ordinance. Councilmember LeTourneau agreed with the right of property owners to have animals but he would ask why the Noise Ordinance is not enforced without a call and why the Ordinance that restricts the number of animals to three was not enforced when staff found a violation, resulting in an infringement of rights. Planning Intern Olson stated the request is for a CUP so four or more dogs would be allowed with conditions. Mayor Strommen acknowledged the opportunity is possible with conditions imposed by the Council through the CUP process. Councilmember Kuzma asked whether the request was for a private kennel or dog daycare. Dave Mattsen, 5520 140 Lane NW, applicant, stated they own four dogs and his niece drops off her dog every day for care. He stated they did not know they were violating the ordinance until the officer came to the property. Mr. Mattsen explained they have often cared for dogs owned by their friends and never leave dogs outdoors unattended. Mr. Mattsen stated he was not asking for a commercial kennel license. City Planner Anderson clarified that when dogs are owned, it is a private kennel license but when boarding dogs owned by others, even if not for a fee, the Code defines it as a commercial kennel operation. This results in the request involving both a private kennel license and commercial kennel operation, so the applicant can continue to care and board dogs owned by their friends. Councilmember Johns asked about the length of time they care for their friend's dogs. Mr. Mattsen stated in one case they boarded the dogs for a week and a half. City Council / September 23, 2014 Page 5 of 13