Potential future small animal veterinary clinics may consider setting up in the central Gering commercial district.

Small animal veterinarian services may soon be available in Gering’s central commercial district, thanks to a recent decision by the Gering City Council. The council approved adding a vet clinics-limited definition to potential uses in the district zoned C-2, which encompasses downtown and properties to the north on 10th Street. This move opens up the possibility for a small animal vet clinic to set up shop in the heart of Gering, providing much-needed services for pet owners in the area.

City Engineer Annie Folck outlined the conditions that would need to be met for a small animal vet clinic to operate in the central commercial district. One key requirement is that the business would need to obtain a conditional use permit, which would allow for additional oversight from the city. This would ensure that the location is appropriate, neighbors are notified, and any potential conflicts are addressed. By reviewing each case individually, the city can take steps to mitigate any issues that may arise from the presence of a vet clinic in the area.

In addition to the conditional use permit, other conditions would also need to be met for a small animal vet clinic to open in the central commercial district. These include a prohibition on boarding services with walk-in services, all required parking must be off-street in a designated parking lot, and the clinic must be at least 100 feet away from any residential district. These conditions are put in place to prevent any negative impacts that could arise from a full-service vet clinic, such as noise from barking dogs or parking congestion.

Folck emphasized that the goal of these requirements is to ensure that a small animal vet clinic would be a positive addition to the community. By limiting the scope of services and carefully considering the location of such a business, the city aims to create a harmonious environment for both the clinic and its neighbors. The proposed requirements would generally confine a small animal vet clinic to 10th Street from the UP track to the north, allowing for a clear delineation of where these services could be offered.

Ultimately, the Gering City Council unanimously approved the proposal, paving the way for small animal veterinarian services to potentially become available in the central commercial district. This decision reflects the city’s commitment to supporting the needs of pet owners in the area and creating a vibrant and diverse business environment in Gering. With the proper oversight and adherence to the established conditions, a small animal vet clinic could soon become a welcome addition to the community.