Allowing Animal Hospitals in City’s Business Center Among Three Ordinances Being Read Monday by the Council

The City Council will conduct the first reading of a  zoning code amendment on nonconforming uses that would allow animal hospitals in Central Pasadena.

The council will also vote on the second reading of  amendments to the city’s historic preservation ordinance, which would provide more protections for historic resources that have not been deemed landmarks.

The ordinance would also create an automatic category for the works of Greene & Greene which states all buildings, structures, objects and interior fixtures designed by the firm, or by Charles or Henry Greene separately, are automatically designated and exempt from designation procedures in the ordinance.

The council also approved a one-year review to see if stronger or clearer language is needed to define substantial removal or replacement of exterior cladding, the impact that would have on economically disadvantaged homeowners, and a review option for conducting a historic resources survey. 

The ordinance regulates evaluation, designation, and protection of historic resources, and was last amended in 2009, 2007, and prior to that in 2005, in conjunction with the adoption of a new zoning code, according to a staff report.

The council will also consider an ordinance amending the zoning code to address nonconforming uses whose required licenses or permits are revoked terminated or suspended.

“This legislation is needed to make clear that legal nonconforming uses that require a license or permit to operate are considered terminated upon the revocation, termination or suspension of such license or permit,” according to a city staff report.

The zoning code amendment that would permit animal hospitals would impact the city’s “urban core and primary civic, business, financial, retail, entertainment and cultural center with direct access to the Del Mar, Memorial Park, and Lake Metro Gold Line stations.”

The area includes Old Pasadena, the Civic Center, the Pasadena Playhouse, and the South Lake Avenue Business District.

The central city residential community has continued to grow, and many of its residents have pets, but no immediate access to care for their animals. The amendment would not apply to Old Pasadena.

Currently, there are at least five animal hospitals in Pasadena.