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Planning commission recommends approval of special use for pet grooming at West Central Avenue retail space
Summary
The Andover Planning Commission voted to recommend that the governing body approve Special Use case Z-SU25-0001, allowing a new pet grooming business (with potential future boarding) in an existing multi-tenant retail building on West Central Avenue, subject to standard conditions and a required fence for outdoor activity screening.
The Andover Planning Commission voted April 29 to recommend approval of Special Use case Z-SU25-0001, a request to allow a pet grooming business — and potential future pet boarding — in an existing multi-tenant retail space on West Central Avenue.
The city zoning administrator told the commission the property is a multi-tenant retail location and that the applicant intends to open a pet grooming business and potentially offer boarding later. "This is a multi tenant retail space along West Central Avenue," the zoning administrator said, adding that the special use falls within the regulations’ allowance for uses that are "within the intent and spirit" of the zoning code.
Staff told commissioners that the property is served by public streets, water and sewer and that a fence permit is currently open for an enclosed rear yard that would be used for outdoor animal activity. On renewal frequency, staff clarified that the special use is not subject to annual renewal but "has to be acted upon within a year," meaning the commission’s recommendation must be forwarded and acted on by the governing body within statutory time limits.
During the hearing the applicant was not present and no members of the public spoke. After staff read the planning factors, the commission member who moved approval cited findings 6, 8, 10 and 12 from the commission’s summary of findings. The motion to recommend approval passed on a voice vote; the planning commission’s recommendation and a written summary will be forwarded to the governing body for consideration at its May 13, 2025 regular meeting.
The commission noted standard conditions may apply and that any outdoor activities should be screened per staff comments. Official notices for the hearing were published on the City of Andover municipal website on March 22, 2025 and mailed to owners of record on March 21, 2025; the chair declared proper notice in the record.
The governing body will make the final determination; the planning commission’s action was only a recommendation.
