Gina Russell of Apache Junction called to question the requirements for establishing a licensed Apache Junction commercial horse-boarding facility.

"I was shocked that all it takes is $50 and 2.5 acres," she told the commission during the April 28 public hearing. "What’s the plan for enforcement of these rules you are now sending down?"

Ms. Russell says she was not asked about health, safety or equipment standards when applying for her business license to operate a horse-boarding facility within city limits of Apache Junction.

Ms. Russell said all she did was fill out an online form and turn it into the Apache Junction City Clerk’s Office and "I am a horse-boarding facility."

Ms. Rusell, who owns 2.5 acres of land, owns five horses, but does not want to start a horse-boarding facility. She says she wanted to illustrate a point that all it takes is a couple of bucks and some paperwork.

The only real stipulation for a legal Apache Junction horse-boarding facility is for the enterprise to reside on at least 2.5 acres, city code states.

This is a cause for concern for Apache Junction resident Cheryl Breiland.

"Honestly, I agree with that, but I specifically chosen not to move next to a horse boarding facility," she said April 30. "But on three of the four sides of me there is property large enough to do that," she added.

Ms. Breiland says there is a stark discrepancy between city requirements for a private homeowner and a licensed horse-boarding facility despite the fact — in Apache Junction — the two are often found side by side in residential areas.

"It will be very appealing to the eye, but I have to get everybody’s permission," she said of a city requirement requiring her to inform her neighbors within 300 feet if she wants to build an accessory structure like a garage on her property. "Do you see the discrepancy there?"

Ms. Breiland says a licensed Apache Junction horse-boarding facility does not have to inform anyone of its operations because of the label "commercial."

"Someone who wants to be a horse-boarding facility can apply and start their business without any permission from their neighbors," she said. "I specifically purchased a home that was not next to a horse boarding facility, yet those three parties (next to me) could put in a horse-boarding facility."

Three of the four property owners who own property adjacent to Ms. Brieland could — if they wanted to — start a horse-boarding facility because they have more than 2.5 acres, $50 and willing to fill out an online form, she said.

Ms. Russell says she worries the city of Apache Junction may be creating special rules for business owners just because they are associated with horses.

"Please make this better for our neighborhood, not just the horse boarders," she told the commission.

Citing several issues she says are typically found at area horse-boarding operations, Ms. Russell says she wants these local business owners to be held to a higher standard.

"If you want Apache Junction to get better you have to start somewhere," she said at her home in northern Apache Junction April 29. "I am for the horses, but I want the horse boarders to do it right."

Lack of enforcement is a real issue, but not having any rules is problematic, Ms. Russell says.

"If this is what is acceptable ... it is going to get worse," she said of her personal excursions to area horse-boarding facilities with 5-foot high piles of dung and the lack of a maintained property.