HomeMy WebLinkAbout2B Public CommentConsolidated Agenda Correspondence
Received prior to 03/9/2021
Batch One
Date: March 8, 2021
To: City of Palm Springs
Development Services Department
Planning Commission
From: Jennifer Guglielmo
Doggie's Day Out of Palm Springs
Subject: Agenda Item 213 — Annual Update of Zoning Code
(5.1466 ZTA)
Dear Chairwoman Weremiuk and Planning Commission Members,
I am reaching out with question, opinion, and concern regarding the Public Hearing memo dated February 10,
2021 of proposed corrections, additions and updates of City of Palm Springs Zoning Coding. Most specifically:
Add a definition for "animal day care" and identify all zone districts where permissible; expand permissible
locations for animal hospitals and kennels.
My concern and opposition is to adding "animal day care" to the C-1(Retail Business Zone) and the P
(Professional Zone). Though both are considered Commercial Zones, it is the proximity to the Central Business
District Zones, Airport Zones, and Residential Zones that raise the most concern for me.
In owning and operating my own Animal Day Care and Boarding facility, my professional opinion is "animal
day care" are not best to be of these zoning districts, not only for the health and safety of the animals
attending — which was first that came to my mind — but also the surrounding businesses and residents in these
types of areas, being outside the current commercial and industrial zones.
Most specifically my first thoughts were the following:
• Noise Ordinances
• Smells and waste
• Proximity to any potential restaurants or food related businesses
• Distance location or set -backs from neighboring businesses or residential community
In the process of obtaining my own CUP for my boarding facility, I learned the importance of a radius study
(giving surrounding residences and businesses awareness), occupancy rate (staff and customers on site at one
time), along with required noise and light ordinances related to our type of business. All of which are only
required for a CUP —
Understanding a CUP is the necessary for the overnight "kenneling" portion, and an "Animal Day Care" is
different as defined: a facility where care, recreation, supervision, and/or training is provided for animals for
periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours. The difference between "Animal Day Care" (a facility of less than
24-hour stay), and a "Kennel" is simply the overnight sleep. Period. A pet staying for 12 business hours in
"day care", compared to overnight stay, does not create any less of concern of these areas above.
I am aware the Planning Commission cannot impose our personal preferences on businesses, as we all have
our own opinions and ideas of what is "best", however not requiring a pet facility (of any sort) to have an
outside elimination (specifically for dogs) area is not healthy for the pets or staff. If dogs are made to
eliminate indoors this could cause health and safety concerns, as well as create bad habits. Again, this is my
personal, professional opinion.
In no way wish to deter, potential or future, pet facility owners. Palm Springs is one of the best PET loving
Cities, and can bring great success to those willing to work hard and love pets! There are plenty of pets in our
community, and surrounding communities, to go around, and to support multiple pet care facilities. I only
wish to bring to the surface my concerns of the minor differences between "animal day care" and "kenneling"
and the restrictions which go along with each.
I also understand there are, and will be many future changes, to zoning regulations, definitions, locations, etc.
as the years go by and our City of Palm Springs grows. I raise concern only in the fact these types of
businesses do not belong in the P-Zone (Professional) or C-1(Retail Business Zone), and should stay
Manufacturing or Industrial for the reasons described above.
Thank you for talking the time to consider and discuss my thoughts on the "animal day care" and expansion of
permissible locations for such business. I would love to have the opportunity to meet and discuss should you
wish.
The Palm Springs Planning commission has always been incredibly supportive and helpful to my small
business, and I have learned a lot along with way with your help, guidance, and assistance me personally in
understanding planning and zoning in particular with my business, and I do thank you all.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Guglielmo
Doggie's Day Out of Palm Springs
play@ doggiesdavoutofps.com
(760) 422-6259