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Planning commission recommends approval for Bristol Humane Society clinic expansion
Summary
Washington County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a special-exception permit for a 9,300-square-foot expansion of the Bristol Humane Society veterinary clinic, including 54 new parking spaces and an expected $5.5 million project budget; final approval goes to the Board of Supervisors on May 13.
The Washington County Planning Commission voted unanimously April 28 to recommend approval of a special-exception permit for an expansion of the Bristol Humane Society veterinary clinic at 16222 Lee Highway in Bristol.
The recommendation covers a proposed about 9,300-square-foot addition and 54 new parking spaces, intended to expand surgical and low-cost wellness services and reduce customer parking on Lee Highway, Planning Department staff said. "We're looking to do about 9,300 square foot addition with 54 additional parking places," said David Maples of Appalachian Design Services, the project's designer.
The expansion will allow the nonprofit to increase clinic hours and services. Jennifer McCall Ketcherin, executive director of Bristol Humane Society, said the organization projects a large increase in service capacity: "With our expansion we forecast that we will be serving 35,000 dogs and cats." She also described a planned free pet-food pantry and a small education center for community outreach.
The applicant presented a project budget of $5,500,000 covering construction, furniture, equipment, contingencies and security; the society said it had raised about $4,000,000 to date and expects to complete fundraising. The organization described itself as a 501(c)(3) and said clinic fees make up about 96% of its operating revenue, with the remainder from fundraising.
Commissioners asked about past impacts on neighboring properties. Planning staff, Mr. Richardson, said the existing clinic has operated without reported complaints for years. The property is in the county's B-2 Business General zoning district; veterinary clinics in B-2 require a special-exception permit, the staff presentation said.
Commissioners moved and seconded a recommendation for approval. The commission chair read that the planning commission's action is a recommendation only; the Board of Supervisors will make the final decision at its May 13 meeting in the same room at 6:30 p.m.
The record shows no speakers or members of the public opposing the application during the public hearing.
Background: the Bristol Humane Society opened in 2005 and said it has performed about 215,000 procedures to date and added low-cost wellness services in 2022; the project packet included site plans and an environmental/site review noting a small wetland area on the property that staff recommended be protected during construction.
