Kennel Ordinance Amendment
Ordinance Amendment, ZOA2025-0002Bennett Smithhart, Planning Division BackgroundoOn May 20, 2025, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments and recommended approval to the City Council.oOn August 12, 2025, the City Council considered a proposal to amend the Kennel Ordinance to allow outdoor dog enclosures. During deliberations, the Council expressed concerns regarding the compatibility of outdoor enclosures with adjacent occupants and property owners. Staff was directed to research ways to engage surrounding users earlier in the review process.
New Application Requirementso17.64.070 B.5. (Application Submittal)In addition to the standard noticing requirements, any kennel application that includes an outdoor enclosure shall require an early notice to be mailed to surrounding properties. The early notice constitutes the final administrative action prior to the City’s determination that an application submittal is complete. The notice shall be provided to all property owners of record and to mailing addresses within 300 feet of the subject property, advising that an application has been received, providing a summary of the application, and the location where project documents can be reviewed. This notice shall be mailed no fewer than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the Planning Commission hearing.
Early Notice Procedures •Once staff receives an application for a Conditional Use Permit for a Kennel with an Outdoor Enclosure, staff will review all submitted materials, including the Noise Study, operations statement, etc.•After confirming all required materials have been received and reviewed, staff will prepare and send mailed notices to all properties within 300 feet.•Notices will be sent to both the mailing address and the owner of record for each property 300 feet.•The mailed notice will include a description of the proposed Kennel operations and will also provide a link to the project plans for public review.•Contact information for the Planning Department, including email, phone number, and office address, will be included in the mailing.
Planning Commission MeetingoOn April 21, 2026, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes. After staffs presentation, the commission asked clarifying questions. The Commission then closed the public hearing and proceeded to deliberation, expressing overall support for the changes, and subsequently voted 4 -0, with one member absent, to recommend approval to the City Council.
Questions?
BackgroundoOn October 24, 2017, the City of Rocklin adopted an amendment to the Rocklin Municipal Code permitting the operation of indoor kennels within city limits.oThe operation of a kennel requires approval of an Administrative Kennel Permit, issued by the Community Development Director.oOutdoor operations are prohibited.
Ordinance AmendmentsoStaff has received multiple requests for outdoor Kennel operations. oChanges the approval from Administrative Kennel Permit to a Conditional Use Permit. oThe amendments allows for a Outdoor Dog Enclosure if the Kennel meets certain application requirements, operational standards, and conditions of approval.
New Application RequirementsoWritten Statement of CompatibilityoA full floor plan of the adjacent unitoIf an outdoor dog enclosure is proposed, the applicant must submit the following:•Design plans for the enclosure, including details on fencing, lighting, and related features.•A noise study to evaluate expected operational noise.
Outdoor Dog EnclosureOperational and Development Standards include:oOutdoor hours are limited to 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.oThe dog enclosure must be over 200 feet from any residential parcel.oThe property shall border a State Highway, Interstate, or Arterial Road (per the General Plan).oA sign must be posted at the edge of the public right-of-way with the name and phone number of a contact person for noise or odor complaints.
Existing KennelsoThe four approved kennels can continue to operation in non-conforming status. Any changes to operations will require prior approval of a Conditional Use Permit. oAll four were noticed of the amendments and staff has not received any correspondence.
Kennelo"Kennel" is a commercial or non-commercial facility for the grooming, keeping, boarding or maintaining of four or more dogs, cats, and/or other animals commonly considered as household pets over the age of four months. A business that provides grooming services only with no boarding is classified as "personal services establishment." Pet stores are classified as retail establishments. Veterinary offices, clinics, and hospitals are not included within the definition of a kennel.