Commission favors making indoor animal care a permitted use in Central Business District

Planning staff told the commission that indoor animal-care uses (for example, grooming or veterinary clinics without outdoor activity) are currently conditional uses in the Central Business District and that staff proposes making them permitted uses when all animal activity is indoors. Libby Grange said the change would reduce procedural burden for uses that do not include outdoor activity and are compatible with downtown commercial settings.

Commissioners sought and received confirmation that the change applies only when all animal care activity is inside the building; staff confirmed the indoor-only limitation and that existing standards would continue to apply. Several commissioners voiced no objection to the change and staff will reflect the wording in the next draft for the Oct. 22 public hearing.

Ending: Commission consensus favored converting indoor-only animal-care uses to permitted uses in the CBD, subject to code conditions ensuring no outdoor activity; staff will include the change in the next draft.