Land Use Code amendments establishing locations and standards for businesses that provide pet owners with daycare services will become effective Nov. 24, 2006. The standards were adopted by the City Council on Oct. 23 and signed by the Mayor on Oct. 25.

These businesses are not currently addressed in the Land Use Code, leading to uncertainty for business owners, their customers and neighbors of these establishments. The bill also ensures that rules governing the keeping of small animals are consistent among all zones.

Seattle, as in many cities, has recently experienced the emergence of establishments providing pet daycare services, particularly for dogs. Need for these businesses has grown as time at work or away from home has increased for many families. Pet daycares assist pet owners in providing proper care, stimulation and training for pets.

This legislation, while addressing a gap in land use regulation, will reinforce Seattle’s reputation as a city that cares for people and their pets. The provisions governing pet daycare centers should help to ensure that well-run facilities will not negatively impact neighbors, striking the proper balance between the needs of pet owners and the surrounding community.

In summary, the legislation:

• identifies pet daycare as a retail sales and service use permitted in downtown, commercial and industrial areas;
• includes appropriate standards allowing pet daycares to be sited conveniently to customers, while mitigating their impacts on surrounding businesses and residences;
• clarifies an omission in the Land Use Code related to the number of animals allowed per household in downtown zones; and
• allows existing pet daycares to continue to operate and maintain nonconformities to development standards, provided the facility meets the new standards related to mitigating impacts on neighboring properties (mainly noise and odors).