Southborough, MA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

Chapter 174 defines a dog kennel as the keeping for sale or boarding purposes, including convalescence or treatment, of more than three dogs that are more than six months old. The Schedule of Use Regulations in § 174-8 lists "Veterinarian, animal hospital, dog kennel" as one combined entry, so the same district rule reaches a clinic, a hospital and a kennel.

In the Residence A district the entry sits on the special permit list in § 174-8.2(B)(5). Section 174-8.3(B) gives the Residence B district every use that Residence A allows by special permit. In the Industrial District the same entry appears among the permitted uses in § 174-8.7(A)(5), so no special permit applies there. The remaining districts that list the use also require a special permit: the Business Village District under § 174-8.4(C)(6), which names the Planning Board as the permit authority; the Highway Business District under § 174-8.5(C)(6); the Industrial Park District under § 174-8.6(C)(8); the Research, Scientific and Professional District under § 174-8.8(B)(5); and the Downtown District under § 174-8.12(C)(5), which lists "Veterinarian, animal hospital, or animal clinic" and also names the Planning Board. Each district's prohibited-uses clause bars any use not listed.

Under § 174-9, the special permit granting authority is the Board of Appeals unless the chapter designates another authority. It follows the procedural, decision-making and filing requirements of Chapter 40A of the General Laws and can impose conditions, limitations and safeguards. No special permit issues without a general finding that the use will be in harmony with the intent and purpose of the chapter, will not conflict with public health, safety, convenience and welfare, and will not be substantially detrimental or offensive to the neighborhood or destructive of property values.

Section 174-8(C)(3)(b) adds that references to a special permit for dog kennels are effective to the extent that such activities are not allowed by applicable state law or regulation.