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Home My WebLink AboutORD2025-014 Title 15 Veterinary ServicesSponsored: Planning & Zoning Introduction: September 22, 2025 Public Hearing: October 13, 2025 Enactment: October 13, 2025 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2025-014 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE *15.10.140 DEFINITIONS FOR ANIMAL SHELTER AND VETERINARY HOSPITAL AND *15.10.226 LAND USES ALLOWED TABLE FOR VETERINARY HOSPITAL WHEREAS, according to Seward City Code § 15.01.035 B (1)b, the Planning and Zoning Commission by its own motion may recommend amendments to Title 15 to the City Council; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update the City zoning code to reflect community changes and needs; and WHEREAS, the Commission held a work session on July 15, 2025, to discuss veterinary hospitals within Title 15; and WHEREAS, there currently are no permanent veterinary hospitals operating in Seward; and WHEREAS, a veterinary hospital is allowed with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in the Auto Commercial, Industrial, and Resource Management zoning districts; and WHEREAS, animal shelters are allowed in the Institutional zoning district but not a veterinary hospital; and WHEREAS, the Commission recommended that veterinary services should be allowed in Institutional zoning district in the Land Uses Allowed Table to ensure that there are options for suitable locations for permanent veterinary services; and WHEREAS, the Commission recommended amending the definition of Veterinary Hospital to better describe the services and scope; and WHEREAS, an animal shelter is listed in the Land Uses Allowed Table but there is no definition for animal shelter within Title 15; and WHEREAS, the Commission approved Resolution 2025-028 on September 2, 2025, recommending the City Council approve the proposed changes. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2025-014 Page 2 of 3 NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that: Section 1. Seward City Code Title 15.10.140B Specific Definitions is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is sen): 7. Animal shelter. A facility operated by or under contract with a municipality for the purpose of temporary impoundment, care, quarantine, placement for adoption, and other services for any animal abandoned, lost, surrendered, seized, or otherwise subject to impoundment according to law. Includes animal control shelter. /07. Veterinary services hospital. The provision of professional medical care to animals by licensed veterinarians, and other services to animals, A facility, which may include animal care, grooming, and , boarding in a permanent facility, ana other se o Include veterinary clini^ Section 2. Seward City Code Title 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is stricken): TABLE Zoning District Designations The following zoning district abbreviations are provided for information and interpretation: RR = Rural, very low density single-family residential RI = Single-family, low density residential R2 = Single and two-family, medium density residential R3 = Single, two and multi -family, high density residential UR = Urban residential, a mix of residential uses and low impact home professional offices OR = _ Office residential AC = Auto and neighborhood oriented, light commercial HC = Harbor commercial CB = Central business district - dense downtown commercial I = Industrial RM = Resource management - partially developable lands subject to floodplains and steep slopes 1 1 1 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2025-014 Page 3 of 3 INS = Institutional, public, quasi -public uses P = Parks Table 15.10.226. Land Uses Allowed Key: O — Use Permitted Outright H — Home Occupation C — Use Requires Conditional Use Permit P — Use Requires Administrative Permit Blank — Use Prohibited Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally Public Uses RR R1 R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM INS P Veterinary services G O G O CO O hospital Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect 10 days upon adoption. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, the 13th day of October 2025. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA &AAA fArckm.1, Sue McClure, Mayor Osenga, Wells, Barnwell, Crites, McClure None Warner, Finch None Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) City Council Agenda Statement Introduction September 22, 2025 Meeting Date: To: City Council Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager From: Daniel Meunick, Community Development Director Subject: Ordinance 2025-014: Amending Seward City Code §15.10.140 Definitions for animal shelter and veterinary hospital and § 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table for veterinary hospital Background and justification: A veterinary hospital located in Soldotna, Alaska has been offering temporary and limited veterinary services to animals as a mobile medical unit through the Seward Animal Shelter located at 601 Sea Lion Avenue. This property is zoned Institutional. An animal shelter is allowed in the Institutional and Resource Management zoning districts by conditional use permit and in the Industrial zoning district outright. A veterinary hospital, however, not allowed in the Institutional zoning district. It is allowed in the Auto Commercial, Industrial, and Resource Management zoning districts by conditional use permit. This situation has provided the City with an opportunity to review the Land Uses Allowed Table to expand the options to include the Institutional zoning district for permanent veterinary services within Seward. The Commission held a work session on July 15, 2025, to discuss veterinary hospitals within Title 15. During this work session, the Commission recommended amending the definition for veterinary hospitals and allow their use in the Institutional zoning district. During the discussion, the Commission also recommended adding a definition for animal shelter since it is not defined in city code but is a listed use on the Land Uses Allowed Table. On September 2, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2025-028 recommending approval of the amendments to Title 15 included in this Ordinance. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: Vol 1, Chapter 3.1— Economic Development • 3.1.1 — "Attract new business and industry to the greater Seward area." • 3.1.1.4 — "Support private sector business, employment, and programs." • "Support and encourage the growth of business." Strategic Plan: NA Other: NA Yes Attorney Signature: Kody George Not applicable Comments: