Warren — The Warren Town Council on Oct. 14 agreed to forward a petition amending the zoning ordinance to allow kennel and dog‑daycare uses in the Manufacturing District to the planning board, and it asked staff to draft companion licensing language and to consider limits on animals and operating conditions.

Michael Monti, attorney for the applicant, told the council that Ashley Souza has secured a lease in a manufacturing district location and that current code does not permit kennels or daycare anywhere in town. He asked the council to make dog‑daycare/kennel uses allowable by special‑use permit in the Manufacturing District and requested that the planning board consider the petition at its next meeting; the applicant asked for expedition because lease obligations were already in play.

Council direction: Council members asked that the draft special‑use criteria include quantitative limits (for example, maximum animals or a square‑foot per animal standard), drainage and odor controls, and a requirement for a town license with an annual fee. Councilor John W. Hanley moved to forward the zoning change to the planning board and to instruct staff to draft a licensing ordinance; the motion carried.

Why it matters: Zoning and licensing changes would permit a regulated dog‑care business in a district suited for light industrial uses rather than residential neighborhoods. Councilors flagged the need to define capacity, clarify parking and circulation, and add health/animal‑welfare conditions that align with state veterinary and kennel standards.

Next steps: The council referred the matter to the planning board for public review and directed staff to prepare draft licensing language and special‑use criteria that address maximum animals, operating hours, waste handling, parking, and local inspection requirements.