Despite Strong Neighbor Objections, FOAC Rescue/Kennel Facility Approved

The Tuolumne County Supervisors Chamber was packed Tuesday afternoon as the non-profit Friends of the Animal Community (FOAC) asked for a conditional use permit to build a new dog/cat rescue and kennel boarding facility at Yosemite Road near the Woodham Carne Road intersection.

The property is zoned residential. There would be up to 40 dogs and 20 cats housed in the proposed 5,000-square-foot building, along with four outside dog runs. In April, a split vote by the Tuolumne County Planning Commission sent the issue to be resolved by the board of supervisors.

At Tuesday’s meeting, several people spoke in favor of FOAC and the need for the facility. And while many neighbors praised FOAC and its work in the community, most were opposed due to noise concerns.

Every member of the general public who made a public comment was partially featured as Thursday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”. Here are the edited remarks: