Planning commission approves text amendment to allow veterinary clinics in lower-intensity commercial districts (no kennels)

The Dorchester County Planning Commission approved zoning text amendment ZTA2509 to the Dorchester County Zoning and Land Development Standards (Ordinance O-4-13) to clarify where veterinary clinics are allowed. The amendment permits veterinary clinics and offices in lower‑intensity commercial districts such as Neighborhood Commercial and Office/Institutional, provided they do not include kennels or animal boarding.

Staff told the commission that allowing clinics in lower‑intensity districts would place veterinary services where residential communities need them and that similar allowances exist in neighboring Berkeley and Charleston counties. Staff recommended approval, stating that standard buffering and parking requirements (or the ITE parking generation manual where the code lacks a specific use) are sufficient to maintain compatibility. Commissioners asked whether overnight recuperation after surgery would be affected; staff said overnight stays for medical purposes are possible, but boarding animals while owners are on vacation would not be allowed under the amendment.

The commission approved the amendment by voice vote.