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Tarpon Eases Restrictions On Overnight Dog Boarding

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: January 17, 2009

TARPON SPRINGS - It is unfair for veterinarians to be able to board dogs overnight, while kennels are not afforded the same right.

That sentiment was voiced last year when three people who wanted to open a kennel in the downtown business district found they could only board dogs during the day because they were not associated with a veterinarian.

At that time the trio told city commissioners the municipal zoning code placed unfair restricts on would-be kennel owners not affiliated with a veterinarian.

In response, the City Commission took a tentative step Tuesday night toward leveling the animal boarding playing field.

Commissioner voted unanimously to approve on first reading an ordinance that would allow domestic pets to be kept overnight in kennels in a business district. The ordinance does not allow farm or wild animals to be kept at the kennels and would mandate a number of other restrictions intended to keep kennels from bothering neighbors.

The commission will consider passing the ordinance on its second and final reading Jan. 27.

As additional background to Tuesday night's decision, Renae Vincent, city planner, told commissioners the city Planning and Zoning Board recently had to defer action on a proposed kennel in the highway business district because the business was not associated with a veterinarian.

As a result, planning staff recommended the City Commission allow overnight boarding of animals at kennels not associated with a veterinarian. It would be allowed as a conditional use only in highway business and industrial zoning districts.

The proposed overnight boarding of domestic pets at kennels would carry several restrictions. They mainly are designed to protect neighboring residential area from noises that can be associated with kennels.

•Outdoor exercise areas would have to be supervised and at least 100 feet from a residence. This area could only be used during daylight, except for 15 minutes or less in the early morning and evening.

•Larger outdoor dog runs would only be allowed in industrially zoned areas and must be at least 500 feet from residences.

•Buildings housing animals must be soundproofed and at least 100 feet from residences.

•Kennels that permit overnight boarding must have a designated veterinarian on call and an overnight staffing plan or monitoring system.

•The sound of animals cannot be audible from off the kennel property and kennels must have landscaping or masonry walls between exercise areas and abutting residential areas.

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