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Commission approves rezoning for city animal care substation on Sidney So Loop
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved rezoning Lot 20, Block 5 (Sierra Vista Police Station plat) at 140 Sidney So Loop from R1 to B1 to allow a City of Laredo animal care substation. Applicant Lauren Bluestone said the site will be administrative with limited on‑site animals; opposition cited noise and safety.
The City of Laredo Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve a rezoning that will allow an animal care substation at 140 Sidney So Loop.
Staff told the commission the owner is the City of Laredo and the applicant is Lauren (Booth/Bluestone). The request would amend the zoning map to change Lot 20, Block 5 of the Sierra Vista Police Station plat from R1 to B1 to permit an animal care substation as an administrative and operational hub rather than a public shelter or adoption center.
“My name is Lauren Bluestone for the record. I am here to answer any questions that you might have concerning the zoning change,” Lauren Bluestone said, adding that the facility will be office‑based and intended to support city animal care services rather than serve as a public adoption or boarding facility.
Commission discussion focused on the intensity of on‑site animal activity. Staff and the applicant said plans call for prefabricated kennels; the plans reviewed showed 14 kennels with the maximum on site stated as up to 20 animals at any one time and no overnight public boarding. Commissioners noted the project had prompted 29 notices mailed, with zero respondents recorded in favor and one written opposition from a resident at 136 Tanager Loop who cited concerns about noise, congestion and safety for children and parishioners.
A commissioner moved to close the public hearing and approve the rezoning; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff and the commission said the rezoning and associated overlay will proceed to City Council for final action.
Next steps: the matter will be forwarded to City Council as an amendment to the zoning ordinance map; staff noted prior related conditional‑use approvals for police‑substation uses and an earlier amendment allowing an animal care substation.
