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Long Beach ZBA renews temporary variance allowing veterinarian to operate from home
Summary
The Long Beach Zoning Board of Appeals granted a two-year conditional temporary variance for Dr. Hal Waldman to continue operating a veterinary practice at his residence, 401 West Beach Street. A commissioner recused from the vote and neighbors spoke in support.
The Long Beach Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday granted a two-year conditional temporary variance allowing Dr. Hal Waldman to continue operating a veterinary office from his single-family home at 401 West Beach Street.
The renewal, for case number 1891, allows a veterinary office to continue at a residence despite provisions in the city zoning code (cited to Sections 9-105.1(a), 9-106.2 and 9-112.14). Attorney Dennis Kelly and the applicant described safeguards: the office does not perform invasive surgeries or administer general anesthesia on site, uses a commercial crematory for euthanasia remains, and contracts with a licensed medical-waste hauler for disposal.
Kelly told the board Dr. Waldman has maintained the practice at the West Beach address since 2006 and that no substantive changes in operations have occurred in the past two years. A neighbor, Mary O’Donnell, told the board Dr. Waldman “provides a fantastic service” and called his fees affordable compared with other local veterinarians.
Commissioner Markowitz introduced the motion to grant and Commissioner Alvarado seconded. Commissioners Markowitz, Lease, Brooks, Alvarado and DePasquale recorded votes in favor; one commissioner stated on the record that they were recused from this application and did not vote. The board’s action grants the conditional temporary variance as requested.
The board’s file notes the approval is for a renewal of a conditional two-year permit allowing use of the residence as both a one-family dwelling and a veterinary office. The applicant and neighbors were advised to follow any building- or health-department requirements that apply to medical-waste handling and veterinary practice operations.
