The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has approved with conditions a special-use permit allowing a couple to operate a pet boarding facility for about 40 dogs and eight cats southeast of Holly Springs.

Marilyn and Scott Irvin had requested the special use for an existing, 3,500-square-foot horse barn on their 15.1-acre property at 504 S. Holly Springs Road. The kennel would operate on an appointment-only basis.

The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions including the applicant obtaining a kennel license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture; fully fenced outdoor play areas at least 75 feet from the property line; and a 5-foot-tall berm with 6-foot Leyland cypress or similar plantings on the north and west side of the fenced area as a noise and visual buffer.

Other conditions included all outdoor activities restricted to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; no more than eight dogs walked outside at a time; noise reduction panels installed inside the kennel; and doors and windows kept closed to keep noise confined to the building.

About the Author

Featured

Aerial photo shows demonstrators holding signs to oppose Trump’s immigration policies during “No Cake for False Kings” protest on the 17th Street NW Bridge, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC