City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  March 21, 2006

Item No.:

Recommendation:  That the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2396 granting a conditional use permit for an animal boarding kennel for the property at 1075 W. Northbranch Drive.

Background:  Sue Ann McCotter is requesting a conditional use permit to allow for an animal boarding kennel that will occupy about 5,100 square feet in the existing building at 1075 W. Northbranch Dr.  The operation would be a doggie daycare where customers can drop their dogs off in the morning and pick them up after work.  There is the potential for overnight stays, but the majority of the operation will focus on the day care.  The hours of operation are approximately 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, excluding any overnight stays.  In addition to the indoor area, there will be a fenced-in outside play area. The applicant has provided a detailed plan of operation, which is included with this council report.  There are some photographs of existing franchises in the plan of operation.  The applicant has been made aware that painting the building with dog related graphics and bright colors would not be permissible.  Any signs would need to conform to the City’s sign ordinance. There will be 2 full-time employees and 2-4 part time employees.  The applicant has been allotted 11 parking spaces which should be sufficient for the employees and the customers dropping their dogs off.

The Plan Commission was concerned about potential noise problems and pet waste impact.  The Plan Commission was also concerned with the proposed number of dogs that the facility could hold and the potential for future expansion of the business. Contained within the conditions and restrictions are conditions that address many of staff and the Commission’s concerns with this operation.  First, we are limiting the area of the building that can be used as an animal boarding kennel.  Should the applicant ever wish to expand its space they would need to have these conditions and restrictions amended.  There are also restrictions on the maximum number of dogs (43) and the hours that dogs can utilize the outdoor play area.  There is also a condition that the outdoor play area includes an area of pavement be removed and replaced with gravel or a material acceptable to the Engineering Department and City Sanitarian to alleviate concerns about pet waste drainage.  In addition there are specific regulation and licensing requirements for this type of a facility.  A kennel license will be required and the applicant will need to and meet all of the restrictions within Section 7.60 of the City’s Licensing and Regulation Ordinance.

The Fire Department will require this additional tenant to have a separate suite number from Karl’s, the occupant of the rest of the building. This will need to be done prior to the issuance of any occupancy permits.

The Plan Commission has reviewed this proposal and has recommended approval subject to the conditions and restrictions.

Fiscal Impact:  There are no outstanding special assessments on this property. The additional investment into this site will have a positive fiscal impact to the City.

Prepared by: Doug Seymour, AICP Director of Community Development

Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk