Zoning administrator approves dog daycare and overnight boarding at 261 Moffett Boulevard with operational limits

The Mountain View zoning administrator on Dec. 10 approved a conditional use permit and associated development review permit for an animal services establishment — a dog daycare with overnight boarding — at 261 Moffett Boulevard.

Project planner Philip Brennan told the hearing the proposal occupies roughly a 2,800‑square‑foot tenant space within an approximately 8,300‑square‑foot multi‑tenant complex on about a 0.42‑acre parcel and uses the CRA (commercial residential arterial) zoning district provisions that make this land use conditionally permitted. Brennan said the application proposes no change to the building footprint and that the site currently has 12 parking stalls.

As part of the requested approvals, the applicant submitted a noise assessment that Brennan summarized as estimating outdoor noise levels would not exceed about 1 decibel above normally acceptable levels for commercial uses and the conditionally acceptable levels for low‑density residential uses as defined in the general plan noise element. To mitigate potential impacts, staff recommended and included conditions to limit outdoor dog access to 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (narrower than the operator’s typical 7 a.m.–7 p.m. schedule), to prohibit customer drop‑off and pickup at the rear of the building to limit on‑street parking impacts along Santa Rosa Avenue, and to install an 8‑foot concrete masonry (CMU) wall enclosing the outdoor play area.

An applicant representative said the operator has been open about 15 years at other locations, that the business has paid above minimum wage and offered health insurance and paid time off, and that it has worked with programs to place developmentally delayed adults and people exiting homelessness into jobs. The representative stated the operator had not received noise complaints at other locations; staff noted the sound consultant was available to answer technical questions.

Brennan recommended approval, and Zoning Administrator Amber Blasinski moved to approve item 3.2 based on findings and posted conditions. Blasinski said she had reviewed pre‑meeting public comment letters, expressed confidence that staff and the operator would work with neighbors, and reminded the public the decision is appealable to the Mountain View City Council within 10 calendar days.

Conditions in the staff recommendation require replacement of one non‑heritage tree displaced by the proposed wall and roll‑up door alterations, and staff made a recommended CEQA determination that the project is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15301 (existing facilities).