Kennel proposal sparks community debate over noise concerns

In a recent government meeting, the Planning Commission discussed a special exception request for Dencrest Farm Kennels, located on a 48-acre property off Atoka Road in Marshall. The proposal seeks to establish a minor kennel under a Virginia Outdoors Foundation easement, allowing for a maximum of 14 dogs, including 12 associated with the Middleburg Orange County Beagles and 2 personal pets belonging to the property renters.

The existing kennel facilities include two indoor rooms, two outdoor runs, and a large fenced outdoor play area. Volunteers are scheduled to care for the dogs twice daily, and the dogs will be transported to hunting locations rather than departing on foot from the property.

Key conditions for the kennel's operation include maintaining a distance of at least 100 feet from property lines, with the nearest use area located 240 feet from the closest property line and approximately 500 feet from the nearest residence. The operation will be limited to boarding and training, with outdoor activities restricted to the hours of 6 AM to 9 PM. Additionally, waste management protocols require that waste be collected and disposed of at an authorized facility.

The commission received 41 comment letters regarding the proposal, with 36 in support and 5 expressing opposition, primarily due to concerns about noise. A request for postponement from a neighboring property owner was also noted. The discussion included reflections from commissioners who visited the site, recalling a previous proposal for the MOC Beagles that faced legal challenges. The commission is now considering the implications of this new request as they move forward.