Urbana rezones 904 East Main Street to B3 to allow veterinary clinic expansion

The Urbana Committee of the Whole approved an ordinance rezoning 904 East Main Street from R3 to B3, clearing the way for an expansion of a neighboring veterinary clinic.

Planner Amy Roussy told the council the parcel is vacant following demolition of the former structure and is held by the same owner who controls 908 East Main Street, already zoned B3 and occupied by Good Friends Animal Hospital. "The subject property is located at 904 East Main Street and is directly adjacent to the property located at 908 East Main Street, which is already zoned B3 and is occupied by the Good Friends Animal Hospital," Roussy said.

Roussy said the rezoning aligns zoning with existing corridor conditions along East Main Street and the plan commission, meeting on Dec. 18, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026, voted unanimously to recommend approval. Staff acknowledged that the request departs in part from the Neighborhood 1 typology in the comprehensive plan but said the corridors existing mixed residential and commercial character supports incremental neighborhood-serving commercial uses.

Councilmembers asked about neighborhood outreach; staff said only one email comment had been submitted in favor. The council confirmed that the proposed veterinary use will require a conditional use permit for any on-site boarding and that the expansion is primarily office and small-animal procedures: "...there will be no boarding on-site. The only boarding that would happen on-site is for patients," Roussy said.

James moved to place the ordinance on the consent agenda; the motion was seconded and the council approved the rezoning by voice vote.

The ordinance (plan case 2517-M-25) was approved by voice vote; a conditional use permit will be required for operation details such as any boarding.