Planning Board Supports Text Amendment for Cat Cafe Business in Unified Development Ordinance

The Mooresville Board of Commissioners meeting on July 30, 2025, focused on several key topics, including a significant proposal for a new business type in the community: cat cafes.

The meeting began with a discussion about an annexation request for town utilities, which is still in the proposal stage and subject to changes. However, this topic was quickly overshadowed by the more detailed conversation regarding the proposed text amendment for cat cafes.

Veronica, a representative from the Planning Community Development Department, presented the text amendment TA 2025-05. This amendment aims to create a formal definition for cat cafes within the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Currently, there is no existing regulation for such establishments, which has hindered local entrepreneurs from opening cat cafes. The proposed amendment aligns with the town's strategic goals of promoting economic vitality and supporting sustainable business growth.

The proposal, submitted by local entrepreneurs Amy Dowton and Ronnie LaBarbara of Cat About Town, outlines that a cat cafe would allow patrons to interact with adoptable or resident cats while enjoying food and beverages in a designated area. The amendment seeks to permit cat cafes through "by right" zoning in several districts, including Traditional Neighborhood (TN), Town District (TD), and others.

The Planning Board unanimously approved the staff's simplified text amendment on June 24, recommending that cat cafes be allowed by right in traditional zoning districts. The Board of Commissioners was presented with five options regarding the text amendment: to approve the applicant's proposal, the staff's simplified text, the Planning Board's recommendation, to amend the proposal, or to deny the amendment altogether.

The discussion highlighted the community's interest in expanding local business opportunities while ensuring that regulations are in place to support new ventures. The Board's decision on this amendment could pave the way for the establishment of cat cafes in Mooresville, reflecting a growing trend in pet-friendly business models.