At its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, The Colony City Council unanimously approved text amendments to the city’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance that enact new restrictions regarding where a pet shop can build and/or operate within the city.
With the amendments, pet shops are now prohibited as part of the city’s overall zoning but permitted within a Planned Development (PD) district if the given PD ordinance specifically allows it. A PD is a special zoning district that provides more flexibility in regards to mixed uses. Examples of PDs in The Colony include The Tribute and Grandscape.
Tuesday’s decision came about in response to concerns from the animal rescue and adoption community in The Colony following several investigative news stories, both nationally and locally, where the treatment and conditions of animals offered for purchase within the subject establishments were found to be inadequate, overcrowded and, in some cases, a danger to the animals’ welfare.