Pets Lifeline gets green light for expansion, remodel

Pets Lifeline won a long-sought set of zoning changes and permit approvals for a planned expansion of their Eighth Street East facility.|

Paws with a Cause

Saturday - July 21, 2018

5:30 - 10 p.m.

Vintage Kennel Club

22071 Bonness Rd.

Sonoma, CA 95476

Tickets $150 ($200 VIP tickets sold out)Tickets available here

Pets Lifeline won a long-sought set of zoning changes and permit approvals for a planned expansion of the nonprofit pet rescue’s Eighth Street East facility last week, when the Board of Supervisors approved its proposal 5-0.

Despite director Nancy King’s apprehensions about the hearing, the unanimous vote was accompanied by words of gratitude and good wishes from the supervisors.

Said 1st District Supervisor Susan Gorin, “(Pets Lifeline’s) value is known outside the Valley because they’re such an important partner for animal care and control.”

The use permit approval changed Pets Lifeline from a non-conforming animal shelter to a permitted one, changing land use from a LI (Limited Industrial) designation to the LC (Limited Commercial) designation, among other changes.

The expansion would increase the shelter’s capacity for animals by about 25 percent, from 15 dogs and 60 cats to 20 dogs and 75 cats. The current facility would grow into a 7,514-square-foot structure with an added 3,520-square-foot second story, according to the presentation from project planner Scott Orr.

The proposed structure would consolidate the existing veterinary clinic, adoption services, animal shelter, and administrative offices that are spread throughout the complex at 19686 Eighth St. E.

The project received unanimous approval from the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission and the Design Review Commission, though the Land Agency Formation Commission wanted to go on record that it was unlikely to provide sewage to the site if there were every any septic issues, said Orr.

“I think that subject will be taken care of by little plastic bags,” joked Supervisor David Rabbitt.

Supervisor Gorin pointed out that the board had already made their support known when last year they waived fees for the nonprofit’s project.

There were very few questions from the board and no comments from the public, though Supervisor Shirlee Zane did ask if the facility could take larger animals.

“We’re just focusing on what we know how to do right now,” said King, as she expressed her gratitude to the board for their support. Construction is expected to being later this year, after a series of yet-to-be-announced fundraising efforts.

Email christian.kallen@sonomanews.com.

Paws with a Cause

Saturday - July 21, 2018

5:30 - 10 p.m.

Vintage Kennel Club

22071 Bonness Rd.

Sonoma, CA 95476

Tickets $150 ($200 VIP tickets sold out)Tickets available here

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