P&Z Approves Home Business

By Susan MacEachron

The Planning & Zoning Commission determined that a home-based dog training business could be approved for a zoning permit at its meeting on April 9.

Annie Johnson introduced herself to the commissioners and described how she moved to Norfolk last year and wanted to start a dog training business in her home at 35 Parker Hill Road. She had discussed the matter with Zoning Enforcement Officer Karl Nilsen, and he advised that, absent any specific mention in the Norfolk regulations, it would make sense to bring the matter to P&Z.

Johnson said that the training consists of a two-week stay in her house where the dog is considered part of her family. She takes in only one dog at a time. Johnson said she had previously provided this type of training at her home in Pennsylvania. The dogs must be at least six months old and on average range between six months to one year old. In response to a question, Johnson said that there are no licenses for dog trainers, but she has insurance to cover this activity. She does not intend to build any structure to accommodate the training. 

P&Z concluded that her business would qualify under Norfolk regulation section 3.05B governing the use of a residence for a professional home activity. Johnson said she would meet with Nilsen to obtain the necessary zoning permit.

P&Z heard a presentation by land use attorney Michael Zizka about the statutes governing planning and zoning commissions. He emphasized that P&Z is compelled to follow state law regarding procedural matters such as when hearings must be held and the amount of time to deal with applications. He noted that the state has continually tinkered with state zoning procedures but more recently is getting into more substantive areas of the law.