Boise, ID Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Use classification
- Animal Daycare or Kennel
- Outdoor area setback
- 10 ft from property line
- Indoor confinement hours
- 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.
- Outdoor enclosure fence
- 6-foot solid fence required
- Home-based groomers
- Need noncommercial kennel license
Summary
Boise's zoning code classifies pet grooming shops under the "Animal Daycare or Kennel" land use, which is allowed only in certain zoning districts and must meet enclosed-structure, noise, odor, and setback standards.
Those parts of structures in which animals are boarded shall be fully enclosed, with solid core doors and no operable windows, and shall be sufficiently insulated to minimize the noise or odor that can be detected off the premises. All boarded animals shall be kept within a totally enclosed part of a structure between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Any outdoor animal areas shall be located at least 10 feet from each abutting property... and shall install a 6-foot tall solid fence.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code defines "Animal Daycare or Kennel" to include any premises used to provide grooming, training, daycare, or boarding for pet animals. That use is only permitted (by-right or with a Conditional Use Permit, depending on the district) in the zones listed in the Table of Allowed Uses, and it must meet Section 11-03-03's commercial-use standards: fully enclosed structures with solid-core doors and no operable windows, sufficient insulation to contain noise and odor, animals confined indoors between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and any outdoor animal area set back at least 10 feet from abutting property lines behind a 6-foot solid fence. A groomer run out of a home falls under the Home Occupation rules and needs a noncommercial kennel license from the City Clerk.
Violations & Fines
Operating in a zone where the use isn't allowed, or violating the facility standards, is a misdemeanor under BCC § 1-4-1; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a pet grooming shop anywhere in Boise?
Do home-based pet groomers need a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
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