Albany, NY Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential setback
- 300 feet
- Setback waiver
- if animals kept indoors
- Species limit
- pets/household animals only outside I-1/I-2
- Governing section
- USDO § 375-303(4)(a)(iii)
Summary
Albany's zoning code limits veterinary facilities to serving domestic pets and household animals outside the I-1 and I-2 industrial districts, and bars them within 300 feet of a residential zoning district unless every animal is kept indoors.
Veterinarian or kennel.
A. Veterinary facilities shall be limited to serving domestic pets and household animals except within the I-1 and I-2 Districts.
B. No such use shall be located closer than 300 feet to any residential zoning district, unless all animals are kept indoors.
(b) Food, beverage, and consumption service.
(i) Bar or tavern. (Reserved)
(ii) Cannabis consumption site. (Reserved)
(iii) Restaurant.
A. Any bar area shall be secondary and incidental to food service.
B. No restaurant shall continue to serve alcohol for more than one hour after the normal menu food service has closed, or it shall seek approval to operate as a bar or tavern.
C. Restaurants shall be required to obtain a permit from the Albany County Department of Health pursuant to Part 14-1 of the New York State Sanitary Code and Article IV of the Albany County Sanitary Code, or other such prevailing regulations.
(c) Guest accommodations.
(i) Bed-and-breakfast.
A. No alteration to either the exterior or the interior of any principal or accessory structure shall be made to change the character and appearance of the residential premises.
B. No more than seven guest rooms shall be allowed in the R-1L, R-1M, R-2, and R-T Zoning Districts.
C. Guest(s) may not stay at the bed-and-breakfast for a period exceeding 14 consecutive days.
(ii) Hotel.
A.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
The City's Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance treats "Veterinarian or kennel" as a commercial use with its own standards under § 375-303(4)(a)(iii). Outside the I-1 and I-2 industrial zoning districts, a veterinary facility may serve only domestic pets and household animals - not livestock, exotic, or wild animals. Citywide, no veterinary or kennel use may locate within 300 feet of a residential zoning district unless all animals on site are kept indoors, which lets a clinic sit closer to housing if it drops outdoor kennel runs or exercise yards. The standard applies on top of the Permitted Use Table's district-by-district review for the use.
Violations & Fines
A veterinary use that violates these standards is a USDO violation - the Chief Planning Official can deny, withhold, or revoke permits, and convictions carry a fine up to $1,000 or 15 days' imprisonment per offense (§ 375-507).
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can an Albany vet clinic be to a house?
Can an Albany vet treat livestock or exotic animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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