SUBJECT
title
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 20, Block 5, Sierra Vista Police Station Plat, located at 140 Ceniso Loop, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
ZC-059-2026
District I
body
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On February 7, 2000, City Council approved the conditional use permit for a Police Substation.
On November 3, 2025, City Council approved the conditional use permit amendment to allow an Animal Care Substation (Office).
BACKGROUND
Initiated By: City of Laredo, Owner; Lauren Bluestone, Applicant/Representative
Council District: I - Cm. Gilberto Gonzalez
Proposed use: The proposed use is an Animal Care Substation.
- The original approval for the site consisted primarily of an office use associated with limited animal care operations.
- Due to the proposed expansion of animal confinement activities, the applicant is concurrently pursuing a zone change request in order to establish the appropriate underlying zoning district necessary to accommodate the proposed Conditional Use Permit overlay to allow the animal confinement use.
Site: The site is occupied by an Animal Care Substation (Office)
Surrounding land uses: To the north of the site is residential uses. To the east of the site is residential uses, Triumph Public High School - Laredo South, and Lucy Avenue. To the south of the site is Sierra Vista Boulevard, vacant land, residential uses, and Nuestra Señora Del Rosario Catholic Church. To the west of the site is Ceniso Loop, Webb County of Sierra Vista, and residential uses.
Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Low Density Residential.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/LaredoPlanning/wp-content/uploads/
2021/03/viva-laredo-city-of-laredo-comprehensive-plan.pdf#page=39
Transportation Plan: The Long-Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies Sierra Vista as a Minor Arterial and Ceniso Loop as a local street.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument
/17680/638703100333370000
Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 29 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Planning & Zoning Commission in a ___ to ___ vote recommended ___ of the zone change.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff supports the proposed zone change for the following reasons:
1. The substation will provide a designated location for the care, intake, and placement of stray animals within the area, contributing to improved public safety, animal welfare, and a more secure neighborhood environment.
2. The proposed zone change is appropriate at this location since the property abuts B-1 zoning to the east of the site.
3. The proposed zone will not create an isolated zoning district.
General Comments:
1. The approval of the zone change does not guarantee the issuance of the building permit and requires full compliance with all applicable municipal codes and regulations.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
B-1. The purpose of the B-1 (Limited Business District) is to provide for business and commercial development serving a limited geographic area or neighborhood.
Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
There are no similar uses in the area. There are residential uses to the north, east, south, and west of the site. To the east of the site is a public high school.
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
No. There is a B-1 zoning district to the east of the site.
Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
It may be anticipated to have a negative impact to the surrounding neighborhood and area.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
Yes. The existing R-1 does not allow for Animal Care Substation as intended by the applicant.
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