Planning Board asks for rewrite, gives unfavorable recommendation on kennel bylaw petition

The Planning Board voted 4–0 on April 6 to issue an unfavorable recommendation on a citizen petition by Melissa Nardone that would have amended Table 1 of the Danvers Zoning Bylaw to allow commercial kennel/boarding/training uses in residential districts by special permit.

Nardone framed the proposal as a way to regulate small‑scale, in‑home commercial care already occurring in town and offered a revised, informational approach that would limit the change to R‑3 only, require owner‑occupied operations, cap total dogs at eight per operation and rely on Zoning Board of Appeals special permits together with Board of Health oversight.

Supporters told the board regulated options would serve local needs; Maria Cunningham said she needs small, personalized care for her animals. Opponents warned of animal escapes, noise, enforcement burdens and that state regulations under "Ollie’s Law" were still being finalized, arguing the town should wait for state guidance. Lisa Buettner cited a recent dog attack and questioned enforcement capacity.

Board reaction and action: Members expressed sympathy for regulating a locally occurring activity but found the petition too broad as drafted and noted that the issue touches planning, health, animal control, and state rules. Jean Hartnett moved—and Mike Decoulos seconded—a motion to provide an unfavorable recommendation with direction that the petitioner return to the Planning Board with a revised, more structured bylaw. The motion passed 4–0.

What happens next: The unfavorable recommendation will be forwarded to Town Meeting, and the Planning Board invited the petitioner to work with staff and relevant agencies (Board of Health, ACO) to craft a narrower proposal better aligned with enforcement capacity and forthcoming state rules.

Sources: Planning Board meeting transcript, Town of Danvers (April 6, 2026).