Council approves special‑use permit for pet aftercare and cremation facility in industrial zone

The Garland City Council approved a specific‑use provision (SUP) to allow a pet aftercare and cremation facility at 3614 Security Street (case Z2617), after planning staff and the applicant described operations and conditions.

Nabi Leonard, director of planning and development, said the site is a vacant industrial building (about 10,900 square feet on a 0.80‑acre lot) and that the use was categorized under the city’s land‑use matrix as a mortuary/funeral home, which requires an SUP in the industrial district. Leonard explained the conditions: the operation will be limited to pet aftercare and crematory services (no retail), limited public visitation, rooftop mechanical screening, relocation of refuse containers to meet code, nine proposed planters along the north frontage, and hours limited to Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with limited internal weekend activity and no more than four employees on site.

Applicant representatives said a parking analysis estimated no more than 15 spaces would be required and the existing 20 spaces on site would be maintained. Michael Dunning of Gateway Services, who described his firm’s operations, said the Garland site would be strictly cremation with no cemetery operations and typically receive pets from veterinarians rather than walk‑ins.

The council asked questions about licensed staff, air‑quality controls and neighborhood notice; staff and applicants said pets would be brought from veterinarians, existing vets would certify deceased animals, and that impacts should be minimal because the work is performed indoors. The council approved the SUP with a 10‑year term and recommended conditions, and the motion passed unanimously.