The Denver City Council gave initial approval Monday to a measure to allow pet-boarding facilities in some business districts.
But the 8-5 vote in favor came after a lengthy discussion of how the measure would affect people who live adjacent to such facilities with outdoor areas.
Councilwoman Carol Boigon said she has worked since midsummer to clarify zoning language regarding what businesses can board animals overnight. Currently, Boigon said, Denver’s rules are largely left to the zoning administrator’s discretion.
To accommodate the burgeoning business, she proposed allowing boarding in additional zoning districts and allowing animals outdoors between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
But the outdoor use worried other council members who were concerned about adjacent residents.
Councilwoman Marcia Johnson proposed a 50-foot buffer. “I think there needs to be some daytime protection from barking dogs,” she said.
But Boigon called the 50-foot rule “sweeping” and said it was not clear how many businesses – such as veterinarians – would be affected.
The council voted down Johnson’s 50-foot rule and approved Boigon’s bill.
A Nov. 13 public hearing is scheduled.
Staff writer George Merritt can be reached at 303-954-1657 or gmerritt@denverpost.com.
