Residents Fear ‘Non-Stop Barking’ As Kennel Expansion Proposed

NEWBERRY – The City of Newberry took steps Monday night to formally align land use and zoning designations for several city-owned parks, while also hearing resident concerns about potential kennel expansions and nuisance code updates.

During its Feb. 23, 2026, regular meeting, the City Commission unanimously approved on first reading two related ordinances that would amend both the future land use map and zoning classifications for a series of smaller municipal parks.

Ordinance No. 2026-19/CPA-26-08 would amend the future land use map designation for city-owned properties that include Barry Park, Martin Luther King Park, Lois Forte Park and Jimmy Durden Park. The properties are currently designated as Commercial, Recreation and Residential Low Density and would be changed to Public Facilities and Land.

According to city officials, the amendment aligns the parks’ existing use with the appropriate future land use classification. A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for March 9.

Commissioners also unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2026-20/LDR 26-10 on first reading following a quasi-judicial public hearing. The city-initiated application would amend the Zoning Atlas for the same properties, changing their zoning districts from Commercial Central Business District, Residential (Mixed) Single Family/Mobile Home-2 and Residential, Single Family-2 to Public Facilities.

As with the land use amendment, officials said the zoning change is intended to reflect the properties’ current use as public parks. A second reading of the zoning ordinance is also set for March 9.

Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus introduced both items, noting that the department is reviewing city-owned properties in phases. She said the next group of properties to be addressed will be the city’s larger parks, followed by ordinances covering all remaining city-owned parcels.

While the park-related items moved forward without opposition, other discussions drew public comment.

Commissioners received input on potential updates to Code Section 4.2.41, which addresses commercial kennels, veterinary clinics and small animal boarding facilities; Section 4.4 governing agriculture zoning districts; and Section 12.2 related to special exceptions. The commission also discussed possible amendments to the city’s nuisance code and the creation of a formal abatement process aimed at improving property conditions.

Several residents spoke during public comment regarding commercial kennels permitted by special exception. The discussion centered on a request from a property owner seeking to expand existing kennels to house additional dogs.

Residents expressed concerns that an increase in the number of dogs could result in frequent or continuous barking, affecting the character of what they described as a currently quiet neighborhood. Property owners urged commissioners to consider the potential quality-of-life impacts before approving any expansion.

City staff will review feedback from commissioners on both the kennel and nuisance code discussions before bringing proposed amendments back to the commission for further consideration at a future meeting.

In addition to land use and zoning matters, the commission also honored Newberry Crossing Guard of the Year Calita Wilcox by proclamation, recognizing her service in helping ensure the safety of local students.

With park reclassifications advancing and broader zoning and code discussions underway, city officials signaled that additional land use and regulatory updates are likely in the coming months as part of a systematic review of municipal properties and development standards.

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