Kennel passes FMPC hurdle
Harriett Williams, owner of Dog Days Canine Playschool, soon may be able to construct a fence at her new location at 10875 Kingston Pike.
Farragut Municipal Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of an ordinance amendment that would allow her to have a fence at the new site in the same complex as David Abbey Carpets and beside Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center and Marathon gas station.
The Town’s existing ordinance did not allow for outdoor kennel facilities.
“The current criteria associated with kennels is intended to lessen the likelihood of a nuisance,” Mark Shipley, Community Development director, said.
Williams approached the Planning Commission last month about changing the ordinance to allow for a fence.
“She has an existing dog day care facility next to Campbell Station Inn, formerly Russell House, that is similar to the kennel in the ordinance, but she is moving her business to the new location,” Shipley said.
Williams said the fenced area simply would be an outdoor space for the dogs and that they would be supervised.
While Commission members were receptive to allowing a fence, Commission Chairwoman Rita Holladay warned Williams, “We’re not just talking about your space. We are looking at all similar businesses.”
Shipley said the amended ordinance added specific perimeters to address noise within the space and outside of the space.
“The numbers used were largely based on sound analysis that was prepared by a registered engineer for the applicant’s desired lease space,” he said. The Commission also can refer to the future land use map for guidance in the future.
“I feel comfortable [with the amended ordinance] as it is,” Commissioner Noah Myers said.
“I’m for it,” Commissioner Betty Dick said.
The amendments to the ordinance still have to go before Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen for approval; and if approved, Williams would have to submit a site plan for approval, Shipley said.
Holladay said the site plan also would have to address stormwater issues.
FMPC postponed action on a preliminary plat for the Peterson Road extension off Kingston Pike and a site plan for Phase I of Villages of Farragut Senior Living at 208 Smith Road. Shipley said Goodworks Unlimited, the applicant for the preliminary plat and site plan, asked for the postponement.
On another matter, Commission members discussed but took no action on proposed new telecommunications provisions in its Town ordinance in relation to cell phone towers and antennas.
“We are trying to bring them up to date with the current telecommunications technology,” Shipley said.
He met with Larry Perry, a local telecommunications consultant, on what the Town may need to address to be more current. Perry said the Town could prohibit towers in the Mixed-Use Town Center. Shipley said he will draw up a draft of an updated ordinance for the Commission to take action, but it may take a few weeks to complete.
