Walnut Creek · Land use · Kennel
Where is a kennel (dog boarding) allowed in Walnut Creek?
In Walnut Creek, a kennel (dog boarding) is allowed in 1 base zone (MU-D, it with a condition), needs a permit in 2 (S-C and MU-C, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 16 (Walnut Creek use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MU-D
- Needs a permit: S-C and MU-C
- Not allowed: R, D-3, M, M-H-D, H-P-D, P-R, C-R, O-C and 8 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Walnut Creek Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a kennel (dog boarding) can go
Walnut Creek's code calls this use “Kennel”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| MU-D Downtown Mixed Use District | Allowed — see note Note L(3): Permitted on floors above the ground floor of a completely enclosed multistory building; permitted on the ground floor of a completely enclosed multistory building when located more than fifty (50) feet from the street line of a Core Area retail street; otherwise not permitted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, lobbies and entrance areas accessory to the use are permitted within fifty (50) feet of a Core Area retail street when not occupying more than ten percent (10%) of the gross floor area of the ground floor, nor more than ten percent (10%) of the ground floor building frontage facing a street line; however, in no case shall such lobbies and entrance areas be restricted to less than fifteen (15) feet in width. | § 10-2.2.2302 |
| S-C Service Commercial District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 10-2.2.1102 |
| MU-C Commercial Mixed Use District | Needs a conditional use permit (upper floors, or ground floor more than 50 ft from a core area retail street; completely enclosed multistory building) — see note Note L(3): Conditionally permitted on floors above the ground floor of a completely enclosed multistory building; conditionally permitted on the ground floor of a completely enclosed multistory building when located more than fifty (50) feet from the street line of a Core Area retail street; otherwise not permitted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, lobbies and entrance areas accessory to the use are permitted within fifty (50) feet of a Core Area retail street when not occupying more than ten percent (10%) of the gross floor area of the ground floor, nor more than ten percent (10%) of the ground floor building frontage facing a street line; however, in no case shall such lobbies and entrance areas be restricted to less than fifteen (15) feet in width. | § 10-2.2.2102 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Animal Hospital and Animal: Retail Sales and Grooming are separate rows and not used.
- Not covered here: M-U (Mixed Use Planned Development, S10) has no use table.; Overlay and specific-plan districts are not in the packet.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Walnut Creek
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the S-C zone in Walnut Creek?
Only with a conditional use permit. Walnut Creek's use table lists it that way in S-C (Service Commercial District) (§ 10-2.2.1102).
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the R zone in Walnut Creek?
No. Walnut Creek's use table does not allow it in R (Single-Family Residential District (subdistricts R-8, R-8.5, R-10, R-12, R-15, R-20, R-40)) (§ 10-2.2.102).
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the MU-D zone in Walnut Creek?
Yes, with a condition. Walnut Creek's use table lists it as allowed in MU-D (Downtown Mixed Use District) (§ 10-2.2.2302). The code adds a condition: “Permitted on floors above the ground floor of a completely enclosed multistory building; permitted on the ground floor of a completely enclosed multistory building when located more than fifty (50) feet from the…”
General information, not legal advice.
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