Caldwell residents seek temporary home-based dog-boarding permit to meet local demand

Emily and Mark Romero, residents of 5219 Junegrass Way, asked the Caldwell City Council on Nov. 17 to consider either a special use permit or a noncommercial kennel license to operate a small home-based dog boarding business for a limited time.

“We are here to respectfully request your consideration of either a special use permit or creation of a non commercial kennel license that would allow us to temporarily operate a small home based dog boarding kennel,” Emily Romero said, describing a modest plan to board a maximum of 10 dogs using half of their garage and their backyard for one to two years while they save to open a commercial facility.

The Romeros said they have written approval from their homeowners association and verbal support from neighbors. They offered to provide supporting materials — including “research on surrounding city ordinances, HOA correspondence, our business plan, operation outlines, [and] sanitation protocol” — to address noise, sanitation and traffic concerns.

Mayor (unnamed in the transcript) thanked them for bringing a researched proposal and asked whether they had met with the city’s planning and zoning staff. The mayor noted Morgan in planning and zoning had been in contact and encouraged the Romeros to share documents with staff so the city can follow up.

The Romeros cited examples from nearby cities (they referenced Nampa) to show that regulated, small-scale home boarding can be accommodated when clear guidelines and oversight exist. No vote or formal action was taken by the council during public comment; the mayor said staff would check in with planning and zoning and follow up with the applicants.

If the council or staff pursue a regulatory change or temporary permitting option, any future decision would follow the city’s usual notice and review processes and would be subject to staff evaluation and any applicable zoning rules.