Woodlake City Council approves rezoning for Animal Hospital expansion project

In a significant move for local development, the Warr Acres City Council held a final public hearing on February 25, 2025, regarding the rezoning of a property at 6600 Northwest 60 Third, currently home to Woodlake Animal Hospital. The proposal seeks to change the zoning from a C1 suburban office district to a C3 neighborhood shopping district, a shift that would allow the existing animal hospital to expand its operations.

The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of the rezoning with a unanimous vote, despite three members being absent. The current zoning split has created challenges for the animal hospital, which is already situated on the C3 portion of the lot but is not permissible under the C1 designation. The proposed changes would enable the hospital to demolish its old building and construct a new facility further back on the lot, aligning the zoning with its operational needs.

During the meeting, concerns were raised by nearby residents regarding potential noise and screening issues due to the proximity of the animal hospital to their homes. The applicant and the vice mayor addressed these concerns, noting that a meeting had been held with affected residents to discuss the project and its implications.

City officials emphasized that the rezoning would not only facilitate the continuation of the animal hospital's operations but also rectify a long-standing issue of split zoning that has existed since the property was acquired by the hospital's previous owner in the 1990s. The council's decision is seen as a step towards unifying the zoning of the property, which has been a point of confusion and concern for many years.

As the council moves forward with this decision, it reflects a commitment to supporting local businesses while addressing community concerns, paving the way for improved services and development in Warr Acres. The next steps will involve finalizing the rezoning process and ensuring that the project aligns with community standards and expectations.