Planning Commission approves side-yard setback variance for Fountain City Veterinary Hospital

The Bryan Planning Commission voted unanimously July 7 to approve a five-foot relief from a 15-foot side-yard setback so Fountain City Veterinary Hospital can build an addition on the north side of its building.

The variance would reduce the required side-yard setback by five feet, the staff report said, and commissioners approved the request after hearing from city planning staff and the applicant. The addition, the applicant said, would create three indoor rooms for the clinic.

Planning staff presented the application and said the request is for a 5-foot relief of a 15-foot side-yard setback and showed the area on a site plan. Staff noted that if the variance is approved the applicant would have roughly 20 feet from the north edge of the existing building to perform the addition. Staff also said one call from a neighboring business, Bridal Physical Therapy at 1206 South Main, expressed no concerns once they understood the addition would be on the north side of the vet.

Commissioners raised drainage concerns and asked whether the project could worsen standing water between the vet and adjacent properties. Planning staff suggested the applicant’s engineer evaluate drainage, tie roof downspouts into a sewer line where possible, and consider adding a drain near the dumpsters to move water away from the site. The applicant acknowledged existing water on the site and said the addition "would have less lawn to deal with the flooding" and that additional water could run toward his parking lot or dumpsters.

Staff also reported an email from a utilities employee, Al, saying the city utilities had no concerns but that the veterinary clinic’s electric feed and meter are on the north side of the building and might need relocation; staff told the applicant to coordinate with BMU on any required changes if construction proceeds.

When asked about the purpose of the addition, the applicant, Dr. Pettigrew, said, "I need more space." He later confirmed the addition "would be 3 indoor rooms." Commissioners noted that the state building code requires either 20 feet between adjacent buildings or 10 feet off a property line, and a staff reviewer said the proposed layout meets those code distances.

A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded; roll-call votes were recorded as all present voting yes. The chair announced, "Motion carried. Variance approved." The planning commission did not attach conditions in the public hearing beyond staff recommendations to address drainage and utility coordination.

The commission also approved the minutes from its June 2 meeting and discussed scheduling an August meeting to consider other items.

Commissioners and staff said the applicant should have his engineer include drainage solutions in construction plans and coordinate with BMU about potential meter or feed relocation before construction begins.