HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.0 BOCC Staff Report 07.21.2008BOCC -721 12 008 DD
SUP: ALPINE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Project Information I Staff Report
REQUEST: The Applicant requests a Special Use Permit ("SUP") for a
new clinic building in the ARRD zone district.
APPLICANT/PROPERTY OWNER: Garret S . Brandt, Esq . for Alpine Animal Hospital, P .C.
LOCATION: 17776 Highway 82 , Carbondale , generally described as
Lot 7 , Section 33, Township 7 S, Range 87 W, 61h PM
SITE INFORMATION: 3 .967 acres
ACCESS: Highway 82 Access Road
WELL: Permit# 28056
SANITARY FACILITIES: Existing ISDS, and proposed new ISDS
EXISTING and ADJACENT ZONING: ARRD (Agricultural/Residential/Rural Density)
I. REQUEST
central receiving area
and two wings to
serve as treatment
area for large and
small animals,
respectively.
Originally part of the request , a residential
unit to temporarily house interns of the
veterinary operation has been withdrawn
from the submittal.
There is no residential use on the parcel
at this time. Residential quarters could be
built at a later date, but would need to be
incorporated with in the structures as the
lot coverage maximum will be met with
the structures proposed here .
Alpine Animal Hospital Special Use Permit -
BOCC-7121108
Details of Site plan (below)
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(enlarged view)
11 REFERRALS
Carbondale Fire Protection District; no comments received.
Garfield County Road & Bridge Department: no comments received.
111 REVIEW STANDARDS
The Applicant's request is consistent with the definition of a Veterinary Clinic.
VETERINARY CLINIC Definition (2.02.525)
"An establishment for medical and surgical treatment of animals."
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The application must satisfy the requirements set forth in Section 5.03 (Conditional and Special
Use Permits); 5.03.065 (Veterinary Clinic) that states that a// kennel and stable facilities attached
to a clinic shall comply with all standards of a kennel (5. 03. 15) and riding stable (5. 03. 035).
§ 5.03 Review Standards (Conditional and Special Uses!
Alpine Animal Hospital Special Use Permit-
BOCC -7121108
(1) Utilities adequate to provide water and sanitation service based on accepted
engineering standards and approved by the Board of County Commissioners
shall either be in place or shall be constructed in conjunction with the
proposed use;
Staff Finding
The use is an expansion of an existing Special Use Permit that has utilized an ISDS. The existing
ISDS will be supplemented with a new, larger one to serve the new building. While it was proposed
with the submittal, there will be no residential use on the site. The existing well has adequate water
to serve the proposed use. The well and septic facilities are adequately distanced one from the
other. The new ISDS shall meet all State and Local requirements for size, placement, installation
and operation.
(2) Street Improvements adequate to accommodate traffic volume generated by
the proposed use and to provide safe, convenient access to the use shall
either be in place or shall be constructed in conjunction with the proposed
use;
Staff Finding
Staff referred this application to Garfield County Road and Bridge Department; No comments were
received at the time of this. report. There is an existing driveway entrance onto the property from
Highway 82 Access Road. The existing access was reviewed and permitted with the existing SUP
in 1991. The vehicle size and type will not change with this permit, and Highway 82 Access Road, a
low volume road, is not anticipated to be adversely affected by this new permitted use.
Adequate off-street parking for staff, customers and maintenance equipment is required to be
provided on the parcel. Suitable turn-around improvements and parking for large horse trailers and
pickups needs to be incorporated into the design. Parking on Highway 82 Access Road is neither
recommended nor allowed.
(3) Design of the proposed use is organized to minimize impact on and from
adjacent uses of land through installation of screen fences or landscape
materials on the periphery of the lot and by location of intensively utilized
areas, access points, lighting and signs in such a manner as to protect
established neighborhood character;
Staff Finding
Adjacent uses include residences and residences with accessory agricultural use. The operation
the veterinary clinic on the subject property is consistent with the existing adjacent uses.
The applicant has stated in the narrative that 'the surrounding area will be landscaped to enhance
the appearance and also provide a buffer from the highway to the north.' There is no landscape
plan submitted at the time of this writing, but this shall be a condition of approval. Landscaping
materials should be considered carefully so they provide adequate screening of uses, debris, trash
containers and lighting, but do not block the sight distance near the driveway access onto Highway
82 Access Road from this or adjacent parcels. Technical assistance is available from the Colorado
State Extension Agent. Any fences installed as part of the landscape plan shall meet Garfield
Alpine Animal Hospital Special Use Permit-
BOCC -7121108
County requirements, maintain neighborhood character, and be installed in such a way as to not
block the sight distance near the driveway access onto Highway 82 Access Road from this or
adjacent parcels.
A landscaping plan will be required to be submitted prior to the issuance of the Special Use Permit,
and installed within 60 days of the building's completion, unless it is necessary to delay planting to
coincide with regular planting season.
There is no proposed change to any signs on the parcel. Signs shall be placed so as to no limit
sight distance onto the roadway from this or adjacent parcels, shall meet the requirements of the
sign code and have a valid permit.
KENNEL Definition from 2.02.311
Kennel: An establishment other than a pet shop or veterinary clinic, in which more -11·
than four ( 4) adult dogs or domesticated animals are housed, groomed, bred, I "
boarded, or trained, with or without fees being charged for services and no more ~~
than two litter of dogs or domesticated animals are bred in any one calendar year. jftllll
§ 5.03.015 Review Standards (Kennels)
(1) All kennels shall be completely enclosed within a building that prevents any
sounds from emanating from the property boundary in excess of the Residential
Zone District standards contained in CRS § 25-12-103, with the exception ofCRS
§ 25-12-103 (2) & (3), that no noise in excess of 55 db( A) from sunrise to sunset
and 50 db(A) from sunset to sunrise will be allowed. Sunrise and sunset shall be
based on the official time as determined by the Old Farmers Almanac charts of
sunrise and sunset for the location of the kennel. A kennel may have dogs
outdoors if the noise from the kennel does not exceed the noise standards cited
previously and complies with other Garfield County regulations as provided
in Section 1.07 of the Garfield County Zoning Resolution of 1978, as amended.
Staff Finding
The existing kennel operation has been required to satisfy this Code section. No complaints have been
recorded about the operation in the past. Indoor run facilities are planned. It is anticipated that
compliance with the Code can be satisfied as the animal(s) are to be contained indoors. Compliance
with the Code shall be a condition of approval.
(2) No dust, noise in excess of the Residential Zone District standards contained in
CRS § 25-12-103, with the exception that no noise in excess of 55 db(A) from
sunrise to sunset, and 50 db( A) from sunset to sunrise as defined above will be
allowed, odors or source of filth shall emanate from the property.
Staff Finding
The existing operation has been required to satisfy this Code section. No reports were presented that
demonstrated that the facility operates within the required noise parameters, but no complaints have
been recorded about the operation in the past. Staff the noise standard cannot be maintained, the
animal(s) may be contained indoors. Compliance with the Code shall be a condition of approval.
(3) An individual sewage disposal system capable of handling all feces and urine
waste from the kennel or the feces and urine waste shall be stored in a sealed
container, capable of being pumped to allow a commercial hauler to dispose of
Staff Finding
Alpine Animal Hospital Special Use Permit -
BOCC-7121108
the feces and urine waste at an approved solid waste disposal site.
The existing operation has been required to satisfy this Code section. No complaints have been
recorded about the operation in the past. Compliance with the Code shall be a condition of approval. A
new, larger ISDS is to replace the existing ISDS. Proper disposal of waste shall be required to prevent
an accumulation that would create a nuisance of odor
(4) All liquid and solid wastes, as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and
Facilities Act, CRS § 30-20-100.5, shall be stored and removed for final disposal
in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater contamination.
Staff Finding
The existing operation has been required to satisfy this Code section. No complaints have been
recorded about the operation in the past. Compliance with the Code shall be a condition of approval.
(5) No permanent disposal of any waste shall be permitted at a site. This does not
include those wastes specifically excluded from the definition of a solid waste in
CRS §30-20-100.5.
Staff Finding
The existing operation has been required to satisfy this Code section. Compliance with the Code shall
be a condition of approval. There is an existing animal crematorium in operation on the site. It is used
for small animals only; large animals are disposed of at the Garfield County Landfill or interred on
private ranches. The operation of the crematorium is infrequent and no complaints have been recorded
about the operation in the past.
(6) Special events that attract more than 25 participants shall be prohibited on a
site, unless approved as a part of the original permit and the proposed special
events are well defined as a part of the permitting process.
Staff Finding
There is no mention of special events in either the existing operation or the request, nor have there
been any complaints about this kind of use in the past. Compliance with the Code shall be a condition
of approval.
(7) Animal and food wastes, bedding, debris and other organic wastes shall be
disposed of so that vermin infestation, odors, disease hazards and nuisances
are minimized. Such wastes shall be removed at least weekly, or more
frequently, from the facility and hauled by commercial hauler to an approved
solid waste disposal site.
Staff Finding
The existing operation has been required to satisfy this Code section. On site, there is an animal
crematorium with which to dispose of small animal carcasses. Large animal carcasses are picked up by
an individual that hauls to the Garfield County Landfill, or individuals may optto interthe animal on their
private ranches outside municipal limits.
Carcasses and waste may also be an attractant to wildlife species such as jays, eagles, coyotes and
black bears, as well as neighborhood pets. Suitable temporary storage should be provided to contain
the waste or carcasses until they are transported to an approved waste facility, such as the Garfield
County Landfill.
Alpine Animal Hospital Special Use Permit -
BOCC-7121108
The crematorium is used several days each week and no complaints have been recorded about the
operation in the past. The new crematorium shall be required to operate in compliance with Federal,
State and local standards for air quality, emissions, and odor. Compliance with the Code shall be a
condition of approval.
(8) Kennels listed as a use-by-right shall be allowed a maximum of 40 adult dogs
with no more than two litters occurring in any one calendar year and Kennels
requiring a Special Use Permit shall be allowed a maximum of 15 adult dogs with
no more than two litters per any one calendar year. (amended 2006-101)
Staff Finding
The existing operation has been required to satisfy this Code section. No complaints have been
recorded about the operation in the past. In this Zone District, kennels are not a use by right, they are
permitted by Special Use Permit. The nature of the operation is not a kennel per se, rather it is a
medical facility that includes temporary boarding of dogs that are to be seen for treatment. As a
condition of approval, the operation shall be scaled to comply with these standards.
(9) All approved Kennels shall be required to provide the Board of County
Commissioners with a copy of the license issued by the State Department of
Agriculture as a requirement for Kennels and Breeders in the County. (added
2006-101)
Staff Finding
The existing operation was not required to satisfy this Code section as the existing Special Use
Permit predated the recent addition to the Code. The operation is a veterinary hospital, not a
boarding I breeding kennel. Veterinary operations are administered by a different type of state
licensing, adequately reviewed for that license by the State of Colorado, and, in fact, Colorado
Code Regulation 35-80-103, 1201-11 'Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act', states:
(2) 'The provisions of this article shall not apply to: (a) Any veterinary hospital which boards
pet animals for the purpose of veterinary medical care only and does not actively solicit
boarding business in any way;'
Staff feels that the intent of the license requirement seeks to have the facilities be inspected to
ensure they meet a standard for safe, sanitary and humane care for the animals to be held there. At
the Board's discretion, the State license for veterinary facility compliance could be used to satisfy
this license requirement rather than the CDA license for kennels. It shall be a condition for approval
for this Special Use Permit.
RIDING STABLE Definition from 2.02.450
Riding Stable: An establishment where instructing in riding, jumping and showing horses
is offered for a fee and/or the general public may, for a fee, hire horses for riding.
§ 5.03.035 Review Standards !Riding Stable)
(1) All horse riding shall be on the same property; a public right-of-way; other
private property be permission; or publicly owned property subject to public
land management agency authorization of trail use, if required.
Staff Finding
Alpine Animal Hospital Special Use Permit-
BOCC -7121108
As this is a veterinary clinic not a riding stable, there is no mention of riding in either the existing
operation or the request. Occasionally, a horse may be ridden as part of a diagnosis for treatment.
There been any no complaints about this kind of use in the past. Compliance with the Code shall be a
condition of approval.
(2) No noise, dust, odors or sources of filth shall emanate from the property.
Staff Finding
Manure is removed from the building and placed in a pile until it is spread, weekly, on the fields or as
fertilizer under the trees on the parcel. Occasionally with the remnant ashes from the crematorium are
mixed with the manure. No complaints have been recorded about the operation in the past. The
manure/ash spreading shall be done in a manner that minimizes dust and odor. Compliance with the
Code shall be a condition of approval.
(3) Any night lighting shall be hooded and directed inward to the property.
Staff Finding
The existing facility proposes downcast lighting directed into the property. The lighting should be
considered as the landscape plan is developed, so that vegetation might be used to mitigate any
lighting issues. Compliance with the Code shall be a condition of approval.
(4) An indoor arena shall comply with all county building code requirements.
Staff Finding
There is no indoor arena facility proposed with this use, therefore this requirement does not apply.
SUGGESTED FINDINGS
1.) That proper public notice was provided as required for the hearing before the Board of
County Commissioners;
2). That the hearing before the Board of County Commissioners was extensive and complete
and that all interested parties were heard at that meeting;
3.) The Application is in conformance with §5.03, §5.03.065, §5.03.035 and §5.03.015 of
the Garfield County Zoning Resolution of 1978, as amended;
4.) That for the above stated and other reason, the proposed Special Use Permit is in the
best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Garfield County;
IV. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends approval of the proposed Special Use Permit allowing the expansion of the
Alpine Animal Hospital veterinary facility, with the following conditions:
1. That all representation made by the Applicant in the application and as testimony in the
public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners shall be conditions of approval,
Alpine A nimal H ospital Special Use Permit -
B OCC -712 1108
unless specifically altered by the Board of County Commissioners;
2 . The Appl icant shall comply with all standards identified in §5 .03, 5 .03 .065, 5 .03 .035 and
5 .03.015 of the Garfield County Zoning Resolution of 1978, as amended ;
3 . The new ISDS system shall be sized to accommodate the animal hosp ital operation and
shall meet all Federal , State and local requirements as to size, installation, operation and
separation from culinary water systems.
4 . Driveway access shall meet the standards of Garfield County .
5. Parking for all staff, employees and maintenance vehicles must be accommodated on-
site. No parking is allowed along Highway 82 Access Road .
6. A landscaping plan shall be developed that for the area surrounding the veterinary
hospital to enhance the appearance and also provide a buffer from the highway to the
north . The plan will incorporate components to mitigate lighting issues , and will not be
installed in such a way as to block sight distance onto the roadway from this or adjacent
parcels;
7 . A landscaping plan shall be submitted prior to the issuance of the Special Use Permit, and
landscaping installed within 60 days of the building's completion , unless it is necessary to
delay planting to coincide with regular planting season;
8. Any fences or signs installed as part of the landscape plan shall meet Garfield County
requirements, ma intain neighborhood character, have valid permits , and be installed in
such a way as to not block the sight distance near the driveway access onto Highway 82
Access Road from th is or adjacent parcels ;
9. Noise generated shall comply with the standards set forth for residential neighborhoods in
the Colorado Revised State Statute 25-12-103, and any maintenance activity requ iring the
use of equ ipment that will generate noise, odors or dust beyond the property boundaries
will be conducted within a building , or outdoors during the hours of 8 a .m . to 6 p .m .,
Monday-Friday;
10. Waste and animal carcasses that might be an attractant to wild animals shall be stored in
a suitable container (odor-resistant and not able to be accessed by animals) until such
time as arrangements can be made for the waste to be transported away to a suitable
facility, such as the Garfield County Landfill. No manure or animal waste of any kind shall
remain stored for more than seven (7) days;
11 . Management of waste and manure w ill be performed in such a way as to minimize dust,
noise, odor and sources of filth beyond the parcel border;
12. The new crematorium shall be required to operate in compliance with Federal , State and
local standards for air quality, emissions, and odor;
13. Kenneling operation shall comply w ith all standards stated in 5 .03.065, with the e x ception
of the CDA Kennel License called for in (9), as that l '.~nse does not apply to veterinary
facilities that do not actively s~ek boarding business{,\ Ro Feq"iremeAt sRall be met by
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A lp in e A nimal H ospital Special Use Permit -
B OCC -712 1108
pr~ing a copy of a valid State inspection of the veterinary facility;
14. No more than fifteen (15) adult dogs may be kept at the facility at one time ;
15. Operation related to those of 'Riding Stable' shall comply with all standards stated in
5 .03.035, with the exception of the requirements in (4) 'Riding Arena '. The Alpine Animal
Hospital does not now have , nor does it propose to have a riding arena. The standard,
therefore, does not apply;
16. Future residential use shall be considered as an accessory use to the facility , provided it is
directly related to the veterinary clinic operations (such as the lodging of interns or
employees), it does not exceed the zone requirements for lot coverage, etc., and is built
under a valid building permit to meet all code specifications and requirements.