Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing – September 22, 2026

The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals convened at 9:00 a.m. on September 22, 2026, in the Reagan Room of the County Office Building. The board heard two cases: Case #6636, a request for a conditional use for a private K-8 Amish School and one variance, and Case #6609 (continuance), a request for a conditional use and multiple variances for a commercial kennel of more than 10 dogs. The board approved Case #6636 unanimously. Case #6609 continued from a previous hearing and included additional expert and public testimony; the board did not reach a decision and the hearing was adjourned after a medical emergency, with plans to reconvene.

Case #6636 – Private K-8 Amish School and Variance

• Applicant: Chris Glick for a site at 4780 Piney Creek Road, Taneytown, in the Agricultural District.
• Request: Conditional use for a private K-8 Amish school (30 children max, operating 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., no plumbing) and a variance to reduce the required driveway width from 18 feet to 14 feet (utilizing an existing ~14-foot driveway).
• Public Comments: Neighbor William Powell initially expressed opposition due to proximity to his home and concerns about privacy, property value, and well water. After reviewing a site plan showing the school would be over 200 yards from his home, he withdrew his objection, stating he was “not so objectable” and felt better about the location.
• Discussion: Board members noted minimal traffic (horse and buggy, one van), daylight-only hours, no new road cut, and use of existing driveway. The variance was justified as reducing disturbance.
• Decision: Motion to approve the conditional use and variance with the condition that the existing driveway be used and no new driveway installed. Approved unanimously (3-0). Oral decision to be followed by a written decision within 30 days.

Case #6609 – Commercial Kennel (Continuance)

• Applicant: Rachann Mayer for a site at 6270 Davis Road, Woodbine, in the Conservation District. Proposal: a commercial kennel for up to 120-150 dogs with daycare, boarding, and multiple variances (16 total, including setback reductions from 600 feet to ~317 feet).
• Witnesses for Opposition:
  • Thomas Casper (appraiser): Qualified as an expert. He testified that a comparable property adjacent to a smaller kennel (a few dozen dogs) sold at a 10% discount, suggesting a 10% negative impact on property values for the Wilburn property (adjacent). He noted the proposed kennel is larger and closer, so the impact could be greater.
  • Eric Peart (neighbor, 2871 Summersby Road): Opposed, citing noise, traffic, waste, and safety concerns. He stated the kennel would create a “forever hardship” for residents.
  • Daniel Lobel (neighbor, 2863 Summersby Road): Opposed due to his work as a maritime pilot requiring uninterrupted daytime sleep, safety risks from increased traffic (especially near a school bus stop and church), noise (dog barking up to 100+ decibels), water well depletion, and environmental runoff. He noted the requested setback reduction from 600 to 317 feet.
  • Jennifer Pagliaro (neighbor, 6100 Davis Road): Opposed, citing severe noise, traffic hazards (narrow roads, blind spots), sanitation and odor, heavy water consumption (up to 1,200+ gallons/day for a 150-dog facility), well water impacts, and diminished property values. She stated the proposed use is incompatible with conservation zoning.
  • Karen Wilburn (adjacent neighbor, 6276 Davis Road): Testified that the kennel would be in her backyard, with noise, traffic, and visual impacts. She stated her deck would become unusable, and heavy traffic on narrow Davis Road would worsen. She submitted photos showing the kennel site is visible from her property even with leaves on trees.
  • Sarah Patton (neighbor, 2712 Mount Olive Court): A dog trainer with 57 years of experience. She opposed due to deficient staffing (1:50 dog-to-staff ratio vs. recommended 1:10-15), noise nuisance, risk of loose dogs, traffic dangers (blind spots at church and school bus stop), and environmental pollution (water table, runoff). She argued the property is “entirely the wrong location” for a large commercial kennel.
• Public Comments (from audience):
  • Michelle Anderson (5906 Davis Road): Raised safety concerns for school children waiting at three bus stops on Davis Road (no sidewalks), narrow road conditions (vehicles must pull over), emergency access, and drought-related water issues.
  • Mike Plas (5611 Sierra Court): Stated that noise from dogs would carry for miles (he can hear a train whistle 4.3 miles away). He argued the 16 variances show the property is inappropriate, and the proposal would adversely affect public health, safety, and welfare.
  • Julia Uphoff (6120 Davis Road): Opposed, noting her home is only 203 feet from the property (no variance requested for her). She stated other larger properties are available (e.g., 75 acres near Route 70) and that the kennel would depreciate home values.
  • McKenzie Cantris (attorney, 6245 Davis Road): Described Davis Road as the worst road in southern Carroll County – narrow, with telephone poles 21 feet apart, a one-lane bridge, and limited visibility. He submitted a deed document and argued the kennel is a “bad idea in a horrible location.”
  • Carla Viviano (real estate broker, 22810 Summersby Road): Stated that as a professional, she sees that buyers value quiet surroundings and that a commercial kennel would reduce buyer demand and lengthen marketing times.
• Decision: No decision was reached. The hearing was adjourned after a medical emergency, with plans to reconvene at a later date.

Key Outcomes

• Case #6636: Approved unanimously (3-0) with a condition to use the existing driveway. Written decision to follow within 30 days.
• Case #6609: Hearing continued; no decision made. The board will reconvene to complete the hearing.
• General: The board received extensive public testimony and expert evidence regarding Case #6609, including traffic, noise, water, and property value concerns.