Charlottesville, VA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

The Charlottesville Development Code, adopted December 18, 2023 and last amended February 17, 2026, defines 'Animal Care, Outdoor' under Div. 2, as a use that provides overnight boarding of animals or treatment of sick or injured animals by a person licensed in veterinary medicine, where outdoor facilities are included. Because it carries outdoor kennel or exercise space, the code separates it from indoor-only personal service uses such as an indoor animal care shop or a gym or studio. 2, Permitted Use Table, and whether it needs a site plan, special use permit or Board of Architectural Review sign-off before the Administrator issues a certificate of occupancy.

k lists 'Veterinary clinics and animal kennels' among activities specifically prohibited from being deemed a home occupation, so a vet or kennel operator cannot rely on the home-based-business allowance and must locate in a district that permits the Animal Care, Outdoor use outright. Any building or outdoor run built for the practice must still meet the district's building setback, height and transition-screening standards, and abutting a residential district triggers a required transition screen under the same chapter. Where boarding or veterinary care is proposed at a site not already zoned for it, the operator must pursue a rezoning or special use permit through the Planning Commission and City Council before the Administrator issues a zoning clearance.