Commission discusses draft ordinance to allow veterinary clinics as interim uses, raises acreage and animal‑unit questions

Sherburne County planning staff presented a revised draft ordinance that would add veterinary clinics — separated into small‑animal and large‑animal categories — as interim uses in selected zoning districts. The draft sets proposed minimum acreage thresholds (for example, 5 acres for some small‑animal treatments and 5–10 acres for large‑animal care when overnight boarding occurs) and includes proposed operational standards.

Commissioners and township representatives raised several concerns and requested clarifications before the item returns for a public hearing. Concerns included whether 5 acres is adequate for large‑animal facilities, whether animal‑units should be capped and tied to acreage, and whether containment and manure‑management standards (including a 200‑yard containment discussion) are feasible on smaller parcels. Township representatives noted that some neighboring jurisdictions require 10 acres for similar uses and requested exceptions for shoreland and floodplain districts.

Staff said the draft will be revised to incorporate clearer definitions of small and large‑animal facilities, consideration of animal‑unit thresholds and full‑time‑equivalent (FTE) employee limits on smaller parcels, explicit shoreland and floodplain restrictions where appropriate, and examples of neighboring county requirements. The commission provided feedback and directed staff to publish a revised draft for distribution to town boards and for notice of a public hearing.

Because this was a discussion item, there was no motion or final action at the meeting. Staff said they will circulate the revised ordinance language to townships and publish materials ahead of the public hearing.