BEDFORD — Bedford County officials Monday took initial steps to change zoning laws to pave the way for a new “no kill” animal shelter that the Bedford Humane Society would operate.
The planning commission agreed Monday to put together a draft ordinance that makes such an animal shelter an allowable use in all districts through a special-use permit.
The humane society has wanted to build a new facility and approached county officials with its intentions. It was told the county’s current zoning laws don’t yet allow it, said director Doreen Ehasz.
They allow pounds and kennels, but no shelters operated by a “non-government” entity like a humane society.
Bedford County Assistant Administrator Frank Rogers and County Attorney Carl Boggess have met with Ehasz and decided to locate the shelter on land the county owns. It would require a lease with the county that the Board of Supervisors must approve.
Ehasz said Monday she doesn’t know exactly where in the county the shelter would be located, but the humane society is certainly interested in the deal.
“It would save us the cost of having to purchase property,” Ehasz said. “That would help our bottom line.”
The society now has the funds it needs to strike a deal for its first-ever shelter in 14 years of operating, she said. It would bear the name of Vernon D. Lybolt Jr. — a Forest man who left behind his estate to the humane society.
The new facility would hold up to 24 dogs and 18 cats, Ehasz said, with hopes of a conference meeting room to hold education events for the public.
“We have big plans,” she said, “but we need space to do it.”
The county is required by state law to have at least a pound, Boggess said. But this sort of operation expands duties the county is not required by law to undertake, he said.
“Their mission is adoption, spay and neuter,” Boggess said. “Everything will be indoors. Of course, we don’t know how long some of those animals will be there.”
Commission Chairman Fred Fralick said it’s a great mission the humane society is taking on but he just wants to make sure there is consideration to all neighbors due to noise.
“I do enjoy the sounds of hounds — but not at 4 in the morning,” Fralick said.
Mary Zirkle, the county’s chief of planning, said the ordinance for animal shelters is modeled after Roanoke City, allows a “kennel silencer” as an option, and has a minimum setback requirement of 100 feet from the nearest property line.
The commission and the Board of Supervisors could review the ordinance during a May 27 joint meeting.
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