Planning Commission unanimously approves Barking Bliss dog daycare and boarding at Lake Forest Village
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Summary
The commission approved a use permit for Barking Bliss to operate a 3,924‑sq‑ft dog daycare, grooming and boarding facility at 24301 Muralins Boulevard, allowing up to 30 dogs with sound‑attenuation and other conditions; the item drew strong public support and 47 letters in favor.
The Planning Commission on June 5 unanimously approved a use permit for Barking Bliss to operate a dog daycare, grooming and boarding facility at 24301 Muralins Boulevard in the Lake Forest Village Shopping Center. The applicant proposed a maximum of 30 dogs and hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Staff described the suite as a 3,924 square‑foot space previously used as the Lake Forest Animal Clinic and said the proposal meets the city’s zoning for animal service businesses. Sam Warra, planning staff, displayed a sound‑attenuation plan that shows the animal housing areas are within sound‑attenuated portions of the building and noted the nearest residence is approximately 377 feet from the proposed facility.
Warra said the applicant already installed a waste‑bin and bag dispenser at the suite entrance and described the applicant’s waste‑management procedures. Staff reported receiving 47 letters in support of Barking Bliss at the time of the hearing.
Multiple members of the public, including current and former clients, told the commission the proprietor is trusted to care for dogs with special needs and praised the applicant’s communication and care. Robert Bruning described his dog’s seizure medication needs and said the proprietor had been attentive; public commenters emphasized frequent photo updates and careful handling of animals. Owner Yasser (Yas·ser) told the commission the business is community‑built and that much of its reputation grew by word of mouth: "Barking Bliss is nothing without the community," he said.
Staff recommended conditions including obtaining an Orange County kennel license prior to operation and securing a building permit for tenant improvements; the draft resolution requires consistency with the approved plans and project narrative. After public testimony and commissioner questions, the commission closed the hearing and voted to approve the use permit unanimously.
The permit approval requires the proprietor to obtain the Orange County kennel license and to complete any required tenant improvement permits; staff noted the facility must meet the city’s animal services regulations including sound attenuation and waste management.
