ITEM TITLE:
Approval of Recommendation to the Chief of Police for Issuance of a Kennel License for Wags & Whiskers Grooming at 104 Chenega Ave
SUBMITTED BY: Kate Huber, Community Development Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: n/a
Unencumbered Balance: n/a
Funding Source: n/a
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Recommendation to the Chief of Police for Issuance of a Kennel License for Wags & Whiskers Grooming at 104 Chenega Ave.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Pursuant to Valdez Municipal Code 6.12.040 A1, a kennel license is required for a facility grooming dogs for profit. On August 12, 2026, Valdez Animal Control forwarded a request from Leah Hoffman and Wags & Whiskers Grooming to establish a dog and cat grooming business at the commercial property at 104 Egan Ave.
Chief Animal Control Officer, Michael Clupper, completed an inspection of the facility on August 10, 2026. He notes certain requirements from VMC Title 6 that are only applicable to a kennel or boarding facility and not a grooming specific business. Please see the attached report for his comments. (Also note that the address referenced in the report is 104 Egan Ave. The building is located at the corner of Chenega Ave and Egan Drive, but the legally assigned street address is 104 Chenega Ave. Staff will correct the documentation prior to issuance of a kennel license.)
The parcel at 104 Chenega Avenue is zoned Central Business District. A dog grooming business is a use similar in type to ‘Animal hospitals, veterinary practices’ which is listed as allowed/permitted in the Central Business District according to the table in VMC 17.16.040-1 Allowed Uses by Zoning District.
The commission should also note that the use of ‘Animal boarding, kennels, and shelters’ is listed a conditional use in this district. Because Wags & Whiskers Grooming will not be boarding animals overnight or keeping them at the location, outside of animals waiting to be groomed or picked up following their appointment, it is my interpretation as Community Development Director that grooming businesses fall under the same category as ‘Animal hospitals, veterinary practices’ and does not meet the definition of a ‘kennel’ as defined in section 17.08.020 Definitions.
Staff will consider future revisions to Titles 6 and 17 to address differences in the language used for these related uses.