Discussion and possible action to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation and adopt ORD. 2026-05, amending Sections 21-503 ("Land Use Matrix") and 21-505 ("Limitations on Uses") within the Peoria City Code (Zoning Ordinance), pertaining to the addition of Animal Shelters as a permitted use within the Intermediate Commercial (C-2) zoning district.

The applicant, Barb's Dog Rescue, has initiated an amendment to the Zoning Code to add Animal Shelters as a permitted use in the Intermediate Commercial (C-2) zoning district. For reference, the C-2 zoning district is the city's most common commercial zoning district and is typically found at one-mile arterial intersections.

Barb’s Dog Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue that offers dog boarding, adoption facilities, grooming services, as well as pet thrift store. Within the Zoning Ordinance, animal rescue centers are classified as an “animal shelter”, which is a conditionally permitted use (CUP) in the General Commercial (C-4) and most industrial zoning districts within Peoria. With this proposal, the applicant is seeking to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow Animal Shelters within the Intermediate Commercial (C-2) zoning district, subject to meeting specific operational requirements.

Proposed Regulations:

The Code Amendment proposes that Animal Shelters and Boarding Kennels be permitted within the Intermediate Commercial (C-2) Zoning District, subject to the following limitations:

1. Boarding shall be limited to household pets.
2. The commercial breeding of animals shall be prohibited.
3. Operation of any outdoor play areas for the animals shall not occur between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
4. All necessary improvements shall be made to the building(s) to ensure that it achieves a Sound Transmission Control Value of 50 or greater.
5. Any dumpster on site shall have a fully functioning lid that remains closed at all times except to dispose of items within the dumpster.
6. Solid waste resulting from the animals shall be picked up, double bagged, and disposed of immediately.
7. All outdoor play areas shall be sprayed down twice a day (both midday and at the end of the day) with a solution designed to neutralize the odor resulting from animal waste.
8. The walls of any exterior animal play areas shall be constructed of masonry block to a minimum height of six (6) feet.
9. No animals shall be kenneled in the exterior play areas.
10. No animals shall be permitted in the exterior play areas without staff supervision.

Staff Analysis:

Staff finds that these code modifications are in alignment with the intent of the C-2 zoning district and consistent with the variety of animal uses already commonly found within existing commercial centers. If approved, this adjustment would unify operational regulations for similar types of animal uses and allow for smaller non-profit organizations to purchase or rent additional commercial spaces, thus expanding their outreach to the community. 

Key Findings:

• Similarly related animal uses, boarding and training kennels, have been previously found to be appropriate uses for the Intermediate Commercial (C-2) zoning district and thus have been permitted subject to specified operational limitations on use.

• Animal Shelters being analogous to the currently permitted land use classification of Boarding and Training Kennels would also be an appropriate use within the Intermediate Commercial (C-2) zoning district, with the same limitations on use applied with additional limitations to ensure safe, healthy, and responsible operation.

Community Involvement:

Public Noticing:

The application was properly noticed pursuant to the Peoria Zoning Ordinance, which includes placing a legal ad in the Peoria Times at least 15 days prior to the Public Hearing. Additionally, the draft code was published on the City’s website for review prior to the February 5, 2026 Study Session and the February 19, 2026 Commission Meeting.

Support / Opposition:

No support or opposition has been received.

• On February 5, 2026, the Planning & Zoning Commission held a Study Session to review the proposed Code Amendment.
• On February 19, 2026, the Planning & Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing in consideration of the proposed Code Amendment.  There were no members of the public present to speak on this matter. After deliberation, the Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval to the City Council.

A: Approve as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission; or

B: Approve with modifications; or

C: Deny; or

D: Continue action to a date certain or indefinitely; or

E: Remand to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further consideration.

APPROVE Case TA25-03, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to the attached Ordinance thereto.

This request is not expected to have inordinate budgetary impacts to the City.