Lacey, WA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Light Industrial/Commercial
- Veterinary clinics limited to small animals, LMC 16.39.020(B)
- Martin Way corridor
- Clinics listed as health services, LMC 16.23.020(A)(3)(g)
- Corridor size cap
- Fifteen thousand square feet gross floor area, no outside storage
- Kennels, low-density residential
- Prohibited, LMC 16.13.030(A)
- Kennel adult age
- Six months, LMC 16.06.390
- Misdemeanor fine
- Not more than $1,000.00, LMC 1.12.010
Summary
In the City of Lacey, Washington, a veterinary clinic is a listed commercial use in the Light Industrial/Commercial District, where the code limits clinics to small animals. It is also a preferred health service in the Martin Way mixed high density corridor. Kennels are a different use and are prohibited in the low-density residential district.
B. General commercial uses that are compatible with adjacent uses in this zone and sometimes considered heavier commercial uses that may not be compatible with uses in other zones including: ... 20. Veterinary clinics (limited to small animals);
Full Breakdown
The City of Lacey, in Thurston County, Washington, does not give veterinary clinics one citywide use rule. Each zoning chapter in Title 16 of the Lacey Municipal Code lists what it allows, and anything unlisted is prohibited. In the Light Industrial/Commercial District, LMC 16.39.020(B) lists "Veterinary clinics (limited to small animals)" among the general commercial uses compatible with adjacent uses in that zone. The same chapter, LMC 16.39.030, prohibits uses outside the permitted list, with examples that include animal slaughtering and the care and/or sale of livestock, poultry or similar animals, so a large-animal practice does not fit the zone. LMC 16.39.020(C) lets the enforcing officer or the site plan review committee approve a similar or related use after a finding that it does not conflict with the intent of the chapter or the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
In the Martin Way corridor, LMC 16.23.020(A)(3)(g) lists veterinarian clinics under health services. Those uses are allowed if the gross floor area is no more than fifteen thousand square feet and the use needs no outside storage, and LMC 16.23.050(B) prohibits outside storage of any kind except nurseries. LMC 16.23.040 prohibits any use not described in LMC 16.23.020.
Boarding is treated separately. LMC 16.06.390 defines a kennel as a place where adult dogs or cats are received for care, training and boarding for compensation, but not including a small animal hospital, clinic or pet shop, and an adult animal is one that has reached the age of six months. LMC 16.13.030(A) states "Kennels are prohibited" in the low-density residential district, and the same sentence is printed in Chapters 16.14, 16.15 and 16.18. LMC 7.04.040(I) allows a kennel or cattery permit only in land use zones where the use is not prohibited. Community and Economic Development administers the zoning review.
Violations & Fines
Operating a clinic in a zone that does not list it, or storing material outdoors where the corridor chapter forbids it, is a zoning violation handled by the City of Lacey. Under LMC 1.12.010, a misdemeanor carries a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or imprisonment not to exceed ninety days, and a gross misdemeanor carries a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or imprisonment for not more than one year. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a veterinary clinic treat horses or cattle in Lacey's Light Industrial/Commercial District?
Is a veterinary clinic the same as a kennel under the Lacey code?
Does the Martin Way corridor limit the size of a veterinary clinic?
What happens if a clinic opens in a zone that does not list it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lacey
Compare Lacey to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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