Clark County is aiming to propose changes to permit and code requirements for equestrian facilities in the first few months of 2021.
Following public comment sessions earlier this year, county staffers are planning to draft code amendments by the end of March, according to a timeline presented by the county. The amendments could appear before the county planning commission in mid-April and the county council soon after.
The public process began in February, when numerous owners of properties that house horses spoke at a lengthy, and at times emotional, county council meeting. The county then hosted a virtual forum, specifically about the topic, in October — originally scheduled as an in-person event in March but delayed due to COVID-19.
Commenters were asked to speak to four categories. They consisted of building requirements, such as drainage systems, setback distances and occupancy limits; requirements and standards that define private versus public facilities; operational impacts, such as noise, dust and traffic; and various definitions in the code.
Throughout the process, horse aficionados have decried permit requirements that mean tens of thousands of dollars worth of investment for relatively small facilities. Requirements currently include overhead sprinkler systems, which owners have said are costly and could further spook horses in the event of a fire, and soundproof barns.
“We are not hosting huge shows open to the public,” local equestrian trainer Rebekah Larimer said at the Oct. 7 meeting. “We don’t have any facilities that have three-, four-plus arenas going and hosting huge public events.”
The county code’s definition of equestrian facilities, which are subject to the requirements, includes boarding six or more horses or hosting lessons, parties, competitions, shows and camps. Horse enthusiasts have said that these types of facilities are common, but they are typically used more for private matters and not open to the general public.
“Not all horses can be provided for by only the existing larger equestrian facilities that are here in the county,” said Peggy Neikirk, president of a youth program at Silver Buckle Ranch. “Smaller, private barns are a large part of the support system relied upon to house and provide resources for the horses and their horses in the community.”
Others have said that when approaching the county about requirements they’re required to follow, they’ve received conflicting answers.
“The equestrian community is happy to do what is necessary to be in compliance with the county code, but we can’t hit a moving target,” Scott Ableidinger said.
In its complaint-driven process, the county Code Enforcement department has a handful of open cases — largely neighbors concerned about noise, dust and traffic. But potential financial ramifications remain in limbo as the county sorts through the possible code changes.
Meanwhile, local horse enthusiasts estimate that the horse population in Clark County, traditionally home to robust equine activity, has dropped by thousands. Many property owners have avoided the permitting process altogether.
“What it tells me is that the code is so onerous that everyone wants to avoid it and not get dialed into it,” Councilor Gary Medvigy said at a council time meeting earlier this month.
Council Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien said that “the equestrian community is in the DNA of Clark County.” She suggested that any code changes be simple enough to prevent future confusion.
Councilors have also suggested a working group that would allow direct consultation with horse facility owners as the county drafts code changes.
“It looks like we have some work to do, or maybe even undo,” Quiring O’Brien said.
