Kingsport, TN Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

Kingsport Code § 114-195(a)(1) lists animal hospitals among the principal uses, along with other substantially similar uses, in the B-3 Highway Oriented Business District. The list sits beside ambulance services, antique shops, automobile services and retail sales. Sec. 114-176 describes B-3 as the district for business activities dependent upon or motivated by access to the community's major highway system. Sec. 114-180(a) adds that where principal uses are specified, other substantially similar uses are also deemed permitted, so a veterinary clinic that treats animals on the same terms as an animal hospital is read against the same list.

The code steers the use differently in other districts. Sec. 114-194(d)(3), for the B-2 Central Business District, lists animal hospitals and boarding facilities among prohibited uses, together with drive-in theaters, car dealerships and racetracks. Sec. 114-225 lists animal hospitals in the permitted uses of the B-2E Central Business Edge District. In the A-1 Agricultural District, Sec. 114-181(c)(7) puts commercial kennels and veterinary facilities on the special exception list, which is allowed only with the approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals. The A-1 prohibited-use list bars retail sales and services, wholesaling, offices and industrial uses.

Residential districts do not list veterinary uses. Sec. 114-182(d)(2) prohibits retail sales and services, wholesaling, offices and industrial uses in R-1A, and Sec. 114-131(5) provides that only specifically permitted or substantially similar uses are permitted in each zone, with prohibited uses and substantially similar ones prohibited.

The animals chapter also draws a line. Chapter 14 defines a kennel as any commercial establishment where dogs or cats are bred, boarded, kept or maintained, and excludes veterinary hospitals, pet shops, grooming parlors and shelters. A kennel operator must hold a city business license and conform with the kennel provisions of Chapter 114. The zoning administrator and building official review a proposed clinic site and permit.