Corvallis, OR Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Small-animal vet
- Permitted outright ('P') in CMU zones
- Large-animal vet
- Requires Conditional Development ('CD') approval
- Governing definitions
- LDC § 3.0.30.03.c, Animal Sales and Services
- Review process
- Chapter 2.3 Conditional Development, public notice
Summary
The City of Corvallis splits veterinary clinics into two zoning categories under its Land Development Code: 'Animal Sales and Services - Veterinary (Small Animals)' and the equivalent large-animal use type. In the Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) zones, a small-animal clinic such as a dog and cat hospital is permitted outright, while a large-animal veterinary hospital needs Conditional Development approval.
6.Veterinary (Large Animals) - Veterinary services for large animals. Typical Uses include animal hospitals and veterinary hospitals for large animals.7.Veterinary (Small Animals) - Veterinary services for small animals. Typical Uses include pet clinics, dog and cat hospitals, and animal hospitals for small animals. ... "P" - Primary use permitted outright. "CD" - Primary use subject to approval in accordance with Chapter 2.3 - Conditional Development. ... Animal Sales and Services - Veterinary ( ... Large Animals) CD Animal Sales and Services - Veterinary (Small Animals) P
Full Breakdown
LDC § 3.0.30.03.c defines two distinct veterinary use types under Animal Sales and Services: 'Veterinary (Large Animals),' covering animal hospitals and veterinary hospitals for large animals, and 'Veterinary (Small Animals),' covering pet clinics, dog and cat hospitals, and animal hospitals for small animals. The distinction matters for where a clinic can open. Table 3.11-2 (CMU Zones Permitted Use Types), adopted under LDC § 3.11.40, lists 'Animal Sales and Services - Veterinary (Large Animals)' with a 'CD,' meaning it needs Conditional Development approval under LDC Chapter 2.3, while 'Animal Sales and Services - Veterinary (Small Animals)' carries a 'P,' meaning it is a primary use permitted outright with no discretionary hearing.
Other zone tables across the Code repeat this small-versus-large distinction, and several zones pair grooming with veterinary uses, requiring grooming to be offered only in conjunction with an on-site veterinary use. Because a veterinary use type also carries parking and other development standards tied to its Commercial Use Type classification, an applicant opening a large-animal practice in a CMU zone should expect a public notice period and a Conditional Development hearing, while a small-animal clinic in the same zone can proceed straight to building permit review with the Community Development Department.
Violations & Fines
Opening a large-animal veterinary hospital in a CMU zone without first obtaining Conditional Development approval is an unpermitted use under Table 3.11-2, since only the small-animal veterinary use type is listed as permitted outright there. The Community Development Department can deny occupancy or a building permit until the Conditional Development review under LDC Chapter 2.3 is completed, and continued unpermitted operation is subject to the Code's general zoning enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a small-animal vet clinic in a Corvallis CMU zone without a hearing?
Why does a large-animal veterinary hospital need extra approval in Corvallis?
What is the zoning difference between grooming and veterinary services in Corvallis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corvallis
Compare Corvallis to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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