Weston, FL Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

Section 124.23(D) lists the special-exception uses available in Weston's Agricultural/Estate District: stables under 124.23(D)(1), and 'animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, kennels, Animal boarding' under 124.23(D)(2). Unlike the by-right agricultural uses in § 124.23(B), these uses require a discretionary approval process governed by § 124.81. That section explains the special-exception mechanism citywide: such uses are 'considered basically suitable for the districts in which listed,' but their character may require controls and safeguards, so approval is 'determined by the City Commission at public hearing.' Applications are reviewed by the City Commission against a defined set of criteria in § 124.81(B), including compatibility with the existing natural environment and surrounding properties, adequate provision for safe vehicular and pedestrian traffic movement, and adequate setbacks, buffering, and other amenities to control noise, light, dust, or other nuisances the clinic or kennel could create.

The applicant bears the burden of proving these criteria are met, and the City Commission may attach conditions to any approval it grants. Because Weston has no district where an animal hospital, veterinary clinic, or kennel is a by-right permitted use, the AE special exception is the only route into the city's zoning for that use, and approval runs with the land only so long as the same use and operating methods continue.