Costa Mesa planning commission approves Priceless Pets kennel at East 16th Street amid noise and parking concerns

On July 28, 2025, the Costa Mesa Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit PCUP-25-0007 to allow Priceless Pets to operate an animal kenneling facility with ancillary veterinary services at 126 East 16th Street, by a 6-0 vote.

The commission approved the permit after staff described the proposed operations and neighbors raised concerns about noise, odor and parking. The permit allows the business to operate Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., occupy a 6,480-square-foot portion of an existing 18,265-square-foot industrial site, and use a 1,586-square-foot enclosed outdoor play area. Staff’s recommended conditions of approval — and a commission amendment adopted at the meeting — include limiting outdoor use to two animals at a time, requiring building wall soundproofing, and a requirement that the operator “institute whatever security and operational measures, including sound attenuation, are necessary” to preserve quiet enjoyment for surrounding properties.

Why this matters: Priceless Pets holds a contract with the city to provide animal-control intake and veterinary care for rescued animals. The city’s stated need for a separate kennel facility and the operator’s contract were central to commissioners’ deliberations, while nearby residents and adjacent businesses urged stronger noise protections and further study before approval.

Staff presentation and proposal Jeffrey Raimondo, assistant planner with the Economic and Development Services Department, told commissioners that Priceless Pets would occupy an existing industrial building near Newport Boulevard and Seventeenth Street. Raimondo said the tenant would staff the site with three to four employees, maintain reception and office rooms, and store a mobile veterinary unit…