At first reading the Warren Town Council approved a package of zoning changes to allow kennels and doggy daycares in the manufacturing (MB) zone by special-use permit and to establish a modest licensing regime for operators.

Attorney Michael Monti presented the petition on behalf of a prospective operator and proposed a definition and standards anchored to facility floor area (10 dogs per 1,000 square feet). Councilors questioned the math and intent; the applicant clarified the intent is to allow one dog per approximately 100 square feet (10 per 1,000), and the council accepted that interpretation.

Council amended the draft to remove language that allowed sale of animals (the petitioner agreed it was not part of its business plan), agreed to increase proposed buffers for any outdoor exercise/play area from 75 to 100 feet, and directed that kennels be permitted only by special-use permit in the MB zone (zoning/planning review required). The council also reviewed a linked licensing provision establishing an annual kennel license fee of $250; that licensing provision will return for a second reading in the normal ordinance cycle.

Council members and the solicitor emphasized the changes are limited to the manufacturing zone, so hobby breeders in other zones are unaffected. The motion to approve the package as amended passed on first reading; second reading and final adoption will follow.