Welcome to Skagit County

July 15th, 2008

Application deadline approaching for Group Special Use Permit for Existing Kennel Operations

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County Planning and Development Services is reminding preexisting kennels that the August 4, 2008 deadline for submitting applications under reduced fees is fast approaching. On May 6, 2008, the Skagit County Commissioners adopted new regulations pertaining to the siting and operation of dog and cat kennels within all unincorporated areas of the County. The new ordinance (No. O20080004) lifted the moratorium on new kennels, in effect since July 2007, and adopted changes to zoning and animal welfare regulations.

One important finding made by the County Commissioners was “the adoption of permanent kennel regulations is not intended to burden existing kennel operators or put responsible people out of business.” To that end, the Commissioners are offering a group Special Use Permit for existing kennel operations. To qualify for consideration under the new permit, an application must be submitted to the Planning & Development Services Department by 4:30 p.m. on August 4, 2008. Qualified kennels are those that are currently unpermitted that (a) existed prior to July 2, 2007, and (b) meet the newly adopted kennel requirements. Kennels qualifying for the group permit shall be exempt from the requirements of SCC 14.16.900(2)(h)(i) – (ii). Qualifying applications will be processed as one batch with a reduced special use application permit fee of $500 per kennel. All other applicable review fees will be applied.

Applications for new kennels shall meet all requirements, shall be processed separately and shall be subject to the adopted fee schedule.

Additional information and necessary application forms can be found online at www.skagitcounty.net. Planning & Development Services is located at 1700 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA and can be reached at 360-336-9410.