As the City of Newton prepares to open an eight stall dog kennel near Iowa Speedway, amendments are being proposed and considered by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. The first reading of some zoning code amendments providing more clarity on location criteria and conditional use permit requirements for kennels and pet boarding, has been approved by Newton City Council members. Ward Three Councilman Stacy Simbro was impressed with what’s been proposed.

“I think there is a lot of good detail in here and it addresses the hole we had. Hopefully in the future we can put together something to address concerns citizens have with stipulations about distance and hearings and some engagement with citizens through public involvement. I think it’s good that we have added this in here. “

There will be at least one more reading of the proposed zoning code amendments before the Newton City Council adopts them. 

Parkview Animal Hospital in Newton had housed animals for the City of Newton for many years, before terminating the agreement last October. That prompted the city to come up with an alternative to housing lost and stray animals.