Planning commission recommends allowing dog grooming in Grove mixed‑use overlay with conditions

The Pleasant Grove Planning Commission voted May 14 to forward a recommendation to the City Council to add “animal grooming only” (use 8224, grooming only) to permitted uses in the Grove mixed‑use overlay, with conditions designed to limit noise, odors and overnight stays.

Jacob Hawkins, a planner with the city, told commissioners the amendment would allow an applicant to finish out space at 1563 West State Street, just east of Kneaders, but that staff recommends restricting the allowance to grooming only — excluding kennels, boarding, breeding and training — to reduce potential impacts on neighboring businesses and residences. “By limiting the proposed use to grooming only…no outdoor kennels or run area will be needed,” Hawkins said, explaining that fewer animals on site makes mitigation of noise and odor easier.

The applicant, Spencer Strong of ScentHound, described the company’s two existing locations in Utah County and its focus on canine hygiene and wellness. “Anytime a dog is coming in, they’re getting a six‑point wellness check across their skin, coat, ears, nails, teeth and glands,” Strong said, adding that ScentHound emphasizes short, appointment‑based hygiene visits to limit on‑site time.

Commissioners questioned staffing, parking and waste handling. Hawkins said parking for the use will follow the municipal ratio of one space per 300 square feet of gross floor area and that parking compliance will be checked at the business‑license stage. Strong said the business primarily operates by appointment, expects roughly 10–12 employees at full capacity, and typically handles quick 30‑minute hygiene appointments with brief drop‑off and pick‑up patterns. On sanitation, Strong said the shop uses multiple hair traps and bags hair for disposal so it does not enter sewage lines or dumpsters.

One commissioner raised concern about patrons bringing dogs near restaurant entrances and asked whether the operator would monitor the parking lot and pick up pet waste; Strong said staff have cleaned incidents at other locations and would take responsibility for on‑site cleanup.

Commissioner Redding moved to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council for the code text amendment (section 10‑14‑26‑2‑c) to add use 8224 for animal grooming only, subject to conditions that prohibit kennels/boarding/breeding/training, limit the use to properties along State Street, and require that all final planning, engineering and fire department requirements be met. The motion was seconded (identified by the chair as Commissioner Nelson) and passed by voice vote.

The council will consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation at a future meeting; approval by the council would change permitted uses in the Grove overlay to allow grooming businesses that meet the stated conditions.