Euclid commission approves conditional use and 10-foot fence variance for Max and Elena’s Paws Play

The Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission approved conditional-use approval and a variance to allow a 10-foot-tall fence for Max and Elena’s Paws Play, a dog daycare, boarding and grooming business proposed for 24750 Lakeland Boulevard.

Commissioner Weymouth moved to grant conditional-use approval; Commissioner Swanson Sawyer seconded. The motion included a condition that a concave parking-lot mirror and signage warning vehicular traffic to be aware of potential pedestrian activity be placed in the north parking lot area. The motion passed on a roll-call vote in favor by Commissioners Renfro, Monroe, Swanson Sawyer, Weymouth and Chair Drake. Commissioners later approved a separate motion granting a variance to permit the fence height to be 10 feet.

Applicant Teresa Johnson described plans to occupy approximately 7,000 square feet in an existing masonry structure: about 4,000 square feet of finished commercial space and 3,000 square feet of warehouse area. She said the operation would include indoor play, training and grooming, plus outdoor runs. “Chain link fence isn’t even an option,” Johnson said when describing proposed fence materials; she said she intends to use wooden or vinyl materials and that fencing will extend to the ground so small dogs cannot slip under it.

Johnson told the commission she expects about 15 employees at peak and typically about nine staff on-site at one time. She said the facility’s maximum daily occupancy would be about 75 dogs and that she anticipates about 20 overnight boarding suites at opening. Johnson estimated build-out would take roughly two to three months, subject to materials and vendor availability.

Staff described the structure as a roughly 7,000-square-foot masonry building built in 1966, previously considered in early 2024 for a daycare application that the commission approved but that later did not receive final approval from City Council. Staff said the kennel’s proposed hours are Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with limited weekend drop-off and pick-up, and that the zoning code contains specific guidelines for outdoor runs. Staff recommended approval with the mirror and signage condition and noted that, if the fence variance is granted, the building code will require stamped drawings by an architect or engineer for any fence over 6 feet.

Public comment included a written letter of support from a Euclid Architectural Review Board member and client of the applicant, and in-person remarks from Deborah Doty, who described volunteering with the applicant and supporting the expansion. Commissioners asked about parking and access; Johnson said she plans to replicate the pickup/drop-off model used at her downtown location (4 designated front spaces), and to pull staff to assist during occasional peak back-ups so vehicles would not queue on Lakeland Boulevard. Commissioners and staff discussed the industrial character of adjacent properties and concerns about dust, debris and fence materials; Johnson said the fence will be opaque and reach the ground to prevent injury and escape.

The commission’s approvals allow Teresa Johnson and property owner Kevin Smith to proceed with permitting and building-department review for the kennel, outdoor run and the approved 10-foot fence. The planning record lists the property as Permanent Parcel 648-01-009.