Cedar Park planning commission approves indoor-only kennel at 400 West Whitestone

The Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to approve a special-use permit for an indoor kennel and grooming business at 400 West Whitestone.

Brynn Habey, a planner with Cedar Park Development Services, told commissioners the request (Project 2026-1-SUP) would authorize a 4,000-square-foot suite within an existing commercial building on a 2.38-acre parcel currently zoned general business. Habey said staff supports the permit with three conditions to ensure compatibility with nearby residential properties: limit the tenant space to 4,000 square feet; prohibit outdoor dog runs or recreation areas; and restrict public access and customer pickup and drop-off to Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “The proposed use and concept plan demonstrate compliance with SUP criteria from the zoning code,” Habey said, and staff had not received any letters of opposition.

The applicant described the business as an indoor-only “VIP Fur Baby Retreat” providing grooming, day care and supervised overnight boarding. An applicant representative said the facility will emphasize soundproofing and sanitation and will manage drop-off and pickup in a controlled area so neighboring properties are not unduly affected. “Pets aren’t just pets. They’re part of the family,” the representative said, describing indoor turf ‘potty runs’ and playrooms designed to create an outdoor-like feel without taking animals outside.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on operational details. When asked how the business would control odor and solid waste, the applicant said the business will contract for regular trash pickups and will not store waste outside; grooming drains will use lint traps similar to those used in hair salons to catch hair and solids. On whether dogs would be walked outside, the applicant said no — all activity and ‘potty’ areas will be indoors. The applicant and owner also said staff will be on-site whenever animals are present.

Chair and commissioners reviewed site circulation: customers will access the building from West Whitestone Boulevard and use an internal loop drive for drop-off and pick-up, the applicant said. The applicant told commissioners they had contacted three vendors housed in the same building and did not encounter opposition from those businesses.

The commission opened a public hearing on the permit and received no public testimony. Commissioner Ansell moved to approve the permit including staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the special-use permit by roll-call vote, with all attending members voting Aye.

In addition to the kennel item, the commission approved the consent agenda (items B1–B3) earlier in the meeting without separate discussion.

The meeting closed with staff updates from Dustin Henry of Development Services, who said the Headwater project (a future land use and rezoning request discussed previously) is scheduled for a March 12 city council second reading and consideration. Henry also reminded the commission that the March planning and zoning meeting will be held Wednesday, March 11 to avoid spring break. The commission adjourned following brief closing comments.

Votes at a glance: Consent agenda (B1–B3) — approved by unanimous roll call. Special-use permit C-1 (400 West Whitestone) — motion to approve including staff conditions moved by Commissioner Ansell and seconded by another commissioner; approved unanimously (Aye votes from all present commissioners).