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Council approves special land use for cat cafe; fence ordinance tightened in first reading
Summary
The council approved a special land-use permit for a cat cafe and adjacent grooming business with conditions including compliance with Title 6 (animals), signage rules and a Knox box; council also advanced a first reading amending fence rules to require more fire-resistant/commercial fencing and clarified setbacks for construction sites.
The Hazel Park City Council voted to approve a special land use for a cat cafe and related grooming business after staff and council members reviewed the application and mitigation conditions.
James Fininkley (planning/administration) told the council the applicant is a nonprofit rescue partner and that staff had obtained information sufficient to address concerns. Owner Jessica Conway introduced herself as the owner of Flawless Fur and described plans for the cafe and grooming business, saying it would support adoptions, TNR outreach and create a community "third space." "Hazel Park is the perfect venue for this," Conway said, describing adoption space and outreach plans.
Council added conditions to the approval: the premises must comply with Title 6 (Animals) of the Hazel Park Municipal Code, all signage must follow the Hazel Park sign code, required federal/state/county/municipal licenses and permits must be obtained before operations begin, and the applicant must install a Knox box for emergency access. The motion to approve the special land use passed.
Separately, council held a first reading of an ordinance amending Title 15 (Buildings and Construction), chapter 15.12 (fences). The amendment tightens commercial fencing rules, discourages wooden commercial fencing in favor of chain-link or concrete barriers for certain uses, clarifies setback and fire-safety concerns and suggested possible time limits for open excavations. Council members described the change as a needed housekeeping and public-safety measure; the ordinance advanced on first reading.
What happens next: The special land-use approval includes conditions the applicant must meet before operations begin; staff and the city attorney will prepare any ordinance language changes and enforcement details for subsequent readings of the fence ordinance.
