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Commission approves zoning text amendment to allow veterinary clinics in two UMU‑2 blocks
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a text amendment on Sept. 15 to allow veterinary clinics on Blocks A and B of the UMU‑2 district at Beacon Square, while retaining prohibitions on outdoor kennels and commercial pet‑sitting.
Plano — The Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 15 approved, by a 6–0 vote, a text amendment to the Urban Mixed Use 2 (UMU‑2) district allowing veterinary clinics as a permitted use on Blocks A and B of the Beacon Square UMU‑2 development along Coit Road. Staff said the change applies only to those two blocks and will not change uses in other UMU properties such as Collin Creek or Heritage Creekside.
What staff recommended: Molly Coriel, interim lead planner, told the commission that "staff is recommending for approval as submitted." She said veterinary clinics already are permitted in some other mixed‑use districts and that the proposed amendment is appropriate for retail settings within a mixed‑use district. Coriel noted the amendment would still prohibit outdoor kennels and pens as well as commercial pet‑sitting within UMU‑2 Blocks A and B.
Operational detail discussed: Vice Chair Ali asked whether the ordinance distinguishes overnight medical care from commercial pet‑sitting. Coriel explained that veterinary clinics may provide overnight monitoring for injured or sick animals as part of medical care, whereas commercial pet‑sitting is intended for vacations and unrelated to medical treatment. She said the ordinance limits the number of animals kept overnight for monitoring or health reasons to six. Coriel summarized: "The difference is that a commercial pet sitting purely exists to watch the bridal," and "a veterinary clinic has the ability to monitor the health of an animal in overnight situations." (transcript language edited for clarity).
Commission discussion and vote: Commissioners expressed that the amendment fits the retail and mixed‑use setting, noted the prohibition on outdoor kennels as an important safeguard, and moved to approve. Commissioner Bender moved to approve; Commissioner Ollie seconded. "The motion passes 6 to 0," the chair announced.
Next steps and limits: The amendment applies only to Blocks A and B of the UMU‑2 zoning district; the ordinance text will explicitly prohibit commercial pet‑sitting and outdoor kennels in the district. Staff said other UMU properties will remain unchanged unless separate amendments are proposed and approved.
Community responses: Staff reported one letter of support from a property owner within 200 feet and no other citywide responses.
