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Zionsville BZA denies request to formalize Love Pet Project veterinary clinic on rural parcel
Summary
The board denied a use variance that would have allowed Dr. Denise Katz to operate a veterinary hospital/temporary boarding facility on a 5-acre parcel separated from a 17.4-acre site, after neighbors raised concerns about setbacks, buffering, and lack of detailed engineering plans.
The Zionsville Board of Zoning Appeals denied Docket 2026-16-UV, a use-variance request to allow an animal hospital or clinic (and accessory temporary boarding) on a 5-acre parcel. Planning staff said the application lacked sufficient information to determine impacts under several required findings and noted the new comprehensive plan identifies single-family uses in the area; staff therefore recommended caution.
Dr. Denise Katz, founder of the Love Pet Project, described her national shelter-medicine work and said the proposed 40-by-80-foot clinic and three kennel buildings would be used primarily to treat and temporarily house animals she owns and rescues. She proposed commitments including privacy fencing around dog areas, restricted outdoor hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), limited access, and noise-mitigation insulation. Jeremy McLean of the Boone County Sheriff's Office testified in support, saying Dr. Katz's work previously allowed deputies to avoid costly placements and reduced county expense.
Opponents, including attorney Mike Andreoli representing adjacent property owners, urged denial, arguing the application resembled a kennel operation, lacked detailed site and engineered plans (septic, well, drainage), and would be better served by a rezoning or placement closer to Michigan Road. After discussion focusing on the five variance findings and whether the property's location (adjacent to a landfill and fire station) constituted a unique hardship, the board voted to deny the variance.
