Commission backs sending new 'animal sales and services' definition to council to allow downtown grooming shops

Planning staff asked the commission to send a proposed zoning definition—"animal sales and services"—to the parish council for committee review, saying the definition would "allow retail sales, grooming of dogs, cats, birds, fish, and other similar small animals customarily used as" pets, and would exclude livestock. Staff recommended a positive recommendation to council so the change could be heard and finalized at the council level.

Crystal Williams, who said she is a professional pet groomer and plans to open Fluff You Up Grooming at 7808 Main Street, spoke at the public hearing in favor. "My name is Crystal Williams, and I live at 414 Oldham Street, but I'm trying to open up a grooming shop at 7808 Main Street," she told the commission. Williams said she has worked as a groomer for more than 20 years and expects the downtown location to support small‑business activity. After brief questions from commissioners (one asked whether "snake sales would be allowed in the pet shop" and staff replied "Yes, sir."), Commissioner Soudier moved to adopt staff's recommendation and Commissioner Rogers seconded. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the definition be transmitted to the parish council, which will schedule a committee public hearing and a final council decision.