The Chillicothe City Council on Sept. 8 amended the Downtown Enterprise District portion of the city's unified development code to allow veterinary offices as a conditional use in downtown zoning and adopted the ordinance on third reading.

The change matters because it alters permitted uses in the downtown enterprise district and prompted clear disagreement among property owners and residents about impacts on noise, traffic and property values.

Councilman Creed moved the amendment clarifying outdoor-exercise and sanitation requirements for veterinary clinics. Creed read the amendment aloud: "outdoor exercise of medically boarded animals shall be permitted only under direct supervision of veterinary clinic staff ... a minimum of 100 square feet that can be maintained to control odors and prevent spread of disease." The amendment was seconded and adopted by roll call.

During audience participation, supporters and opponents spoke. Natalie Baldwin, who identified herself as a downtown resident and property owner, said, "I would give existing structures another potential use," arguing veterinary clinics would broaden permitted uses and support downtown businesses. Ed Waltz, a local resident and advocate for a clinic, said Ross County is underserved by veterinarians and described a clinic as "badly needed" for convenience and tax revenue. Peter Weazar, who identified himself as a veterinarian, said the clinic would support health services for animals.

Opponents included Rodney Rutherford, who lives outside the downtown core and said property owners who have invested in the area oppose the change; he said altering the zoning could allow more types of commercial change than some owners want. Council members debated the amendment and its additional restrictions at the dais before voting.

On the final third-reading roll call after the amendment, Council President Shoemaker recorded votes: Bennett—No; Payne—No; McCourt—Yes; Barnes—Yes; DeMent—Yes; Dunn—Yes; Creed—Yes. The ordinance was adopted.

The council did not adopt further implementing regulations at the meeting; council members said the change would be enforced through the city's existing conditional-use approval and code-enforcement processes.

Next steps: the unified development code change will appear on the docket for administrative implementation, and property owners can pursue conditional-use approvals consistent with the newly adopted provisions.