Planning commission approves Yardstick dog boarding and daycare use for Brentwood Place Shopping Center

The Brentwood Planning Commission on June 2 approved a use determination and minor site plan alteration to allow Yardstick (branded as Yardstick Dog Hotel) to operate a dog boarding and daycare facility at Brentwood Place Shopping Center, 330 Franklin Road, Suite 222B, in the C-2 zoning district.

Dave Mackin, CEO of Yardstick, told commissioners the facility would include 50 to 55 suites, with an industry average of about 1.2 dogs per suite that could yield capacity into the high‑60s on peak days. He said there would be no outdoor fenced play area; all outdoor relief yards would be enclosed turf areas adjacent to the indoor rooms. "The intention is that they'd be operable because when the dogs aren't in them, like in the evenings, for example, you know, to allow the area to get fresh air," Mackin said, explaining the proposed windows would be operable for evening ventilation.

Staff told the commission the use is not specifically listed in the C-2 zoning district text but the Planning Commission may determine the use is consistent with the district. Staff recommended approval subject to code requirements and a site plan review. The commission asked about noise mitigation, parking and waste handling; Yardstick and a Regency/Foundry representative said the company uses sound‑attenuating construction (STC 60 demising walls and insulation to deck), limits playgroup sizes (typically max 10–12 dogs per play group), and operates a standard trash contract. Mackin said waste from the enclosed yards is hosed through a trench drain into the sanitary sewer and Regency indicated dumpsters would be located behind the property and picked up twice weekly at most locations.

Commissioners also discussed traffic patterns. Yardstick said its daycare capacity typically maxes at around 25 dogs and drop‑off is a steady trickle from about 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., with pick‑up activity later in the day; the facility would have staff overnight whenever animals are present. There is no designated loading zone; customers are expected to use shared parking spaces at the center.

Regency real estate representative Liz Craig said Yardstick had sought and obtained sign‑offs from adjacent tenants with lease restrictions, including Galaxy Golf and CVS.

Commissioner Kaplan moved to approve the use determination and minor site plan alteration; Chair Janet Donahue seconded. The motion passed; the transcript records two "nays" without a recorded roll call identifying those two votes.