Arcadia, CA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

Arcadia lists veterinary services in its commercial use tables. The code's Animal Hospital/Clinic entry simply refers the reader to Veterinary Services, so a clinic and a hospital are treated as one use. Table 2-8 in § 9102.03.020 covers the C-O, C-G, C-R and M-1 zones. The Veterinary Services row reads not allowed in C-O, then C in C-G, C in C-R and C in M-1. The letter C means a Conditional Use Permit under § 9107.09, and no zone in that table allows a clinic by right. The last column points to § 9104.02.200 (Kennels; Animal Board and Care).

The downtown table, Table 2-10 in § 9102.05.020, is narrower. Veterinary Services are not allowed in the CBD, MU and DMU zones and need a Conditional Use Permit only in the CM zone.

The Development Code defines the use in § 9109.01.230 as an establishment where household animals receive medical and surgical treatment and may be temporarily boarded, for more than a one-night stay, in association with that treatment. Short-term animal boarding may be provided as an accessory use.

A Conditional Use Permit is a discretionary approval. The Planning Commission holds a public hearing before deciding, notice follows § 9108.13, and the decision is appealable to the City Council. The Review Authority can approve only after making findings that the use is consistent with the General Plan, is compatible with existing and future land uses in the vicinity, and sits on a site with adequate streets, public protection services and utilities. Conditions of approval are allowed, and a clinic cannot expand the uses or services in the original application without a new permit.

The cross-referenced kennel section adds two limits. A commercial animal kennel or boarding business cannot be located 250 feet from a residentially zoned property, and no one can carry on the business of keeping dogs for breeding, for medical treatment of dogs, or for hire without first obtaining a permit from the Council.