To: Mark Hafner, City Manager
From: Amber Washington, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an ordinance approving a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for Sit Means Sit, a dog-training facility with no overnight boarding, to operate in an existing 2,090 square-foot lease space, within an 8,082 square-foot multi-tenant building, approximately 990 feet northwest from the intersection of Cindy Street and Keller Parkway, legally described as Lot 2, Block 11R of the Samuel Needham Addition, zoned Retail (R) and addressed as 363 Keller Parkway, Suite A. ABV Training DBA Sit Means Sit Fort Worth, Applicant. Haeju Investments, LLC, Owner. (SUP-22-0031)
Background:
Sit Means Sit Fort Worth (one of more than 150 franchise locations) serves the DFW Metroplex and surrounding communities. The Applicant obtained the business in 2017 but has not had a physical location.
The Applicant requests a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to operate a dog-training facility at 363 Keller Parkway, Suite A. There will be no overnight boarding or outdoor kennels. An SUP is required for indoor kennel facilities that include training in the Retail zoning district.
Site Design:
Sit Means Sit will take over the former location of The Humane Society. The Applicant intends to do cosmetic renovations inside. There is an existing fenced-in grassy area behind the building. Half of the fenced area will be used for outdoor training (as weather permits) and the other half for dogs to relieve themselves. There are no outdoor kennels, nor will dogs be left outside unattended at any time.
Employees:
Sit Means Sit will have 10 employees, on site at different times throughout the week. Approximately three-to-four people will be on site during each shift.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Because the business owner wishes to hold group classes and training sessions in the evening, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended extending the requested operating hours to 8 p.m.
Economic Development:
There are no dog training-specific businesses currently in the city. There is not an expected increase to the city’s ad valorem or sales tax revenue.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request, the City Council shall consider the following factors:
1) The use is harmonious and compatible with surrounding existing uses or proposed uses;
2) The activities requested by the applicant are normally associated with the permitted uses in the base district;
3) The nature of the use is reasonable and appropriate in the immediate area;
4) Any negative impact on the surrounding area has been mitigated; and
5) That any additional conditions specified ensure that the intent of the district purposes are being upheld.
Citizen Input:
On August 30, 2022 the City mailed out 44 letters of Notification for this Public Hearing to all property owners within three-hundred feet (300’) of the subject site. A public hearing notice sign was posted on the site.
As of today, staff has received one email in support of the business with a request that the business owner make sure to regularly clean up pet waste.
There has been no public opposition to the SUP request.
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:
On September 13, 2022, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the SUP request, with the amendment to extend operating hours to 8 p.m.
Alternatives:
The City Council has the following options when considering a Specific Use Permit:
§ Approve as submitted.
§ Recommend approval with modified or additional condition(s).
§ Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
§ Recommend denial.