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Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for a cat shelter in the General Commercial (C2) zone at 10506 W. Blue Mound Road, Kori Schneider Peragine and Luann Namowicz, Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter, applicants
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Submitted by:
Art Piñon
Department:
Development
A. Background/Options
The applicant is proposing to operate a cat shelter at 10506 W. Blue Mound Road in the General Commercial (C2) zone. Surrounding land uses include single family residential to the north, the Milwaukee County Zoo to the south, and commercial uses to the east and west.
The shelter will be open to the public on Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. All operations will take place inside the building. The floor plan contains space for adult cat cages, kitten exercise, kitten intake, a meet and greet room, and office space.
The required public hearing was held at the January 27, 2026 Common Council meeting. The applicant and three (3) other members of the public spoke in favor of the proposal. No one spoke in opposition. The Council meeting video is attached.
B. Staff Comments
Planning/Zoning Division
Short- and long-term bike parking must be provided in compliance with WMC 24.11.080.
This Conditional Use request supports the goals and objectives outlined in the City of Wauwatosa Comprehensive Plan, specifically:
• Supporting local businesses and enhancing the City's tax base (WCP, p. 20);
• Support development, improvement, and reinvestments in local commercial areas to promote a dynamic, vibrant, and accessible character and appearance as well as a mix of businesses (WCP, p. 20).
Building Division
Design Review Board approval is required for any exterior changes. Architectural supervision, plan review, and all applicable building permits are also required. A final occupancy inspection and approval must be obtained prior to occupancy.
City Assessor’s Office
Provide detailed costs of any alterations and/or new construction as well as income & expense as requested by the Assessor’s Office
City Clerk’s Office
No comments.
Public Works Department
See Engineering comments.
Engineering Division
Per City Code 13.30.030, any building project in excess of $100,000 shall have the sanitary sewer lateral replaced or inspected and pressure tested per BPW requirements. If the existing sanitary sewer lateral is to be re-used, a televised report of the existing lateral from the building to the City main must be provided to Engineering. If Engineering identifies any defects in the existing lateral, the defects must be corrected and another televised report provided to Engineering to verify results. Note that if the existing lateral is made out of clay, the lateral must be lined. This requirement must be met prior to final building occupancy.
If a trash dumpster is located outside, it must be screened from view of streets and all abutting lots according to the requirements outlined in City Code 24.12.040.
If any exterior work to the parking lot is proposed, including re-striping of the parking lot, a site plan permit may be required and is subject to approval of the Engineering Division.
Fire Department
All applicable fire codes must be adhered to.
Health Department
No comments.
Police Department
No comments.
C. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval subject to:
1. Establishing hours of operation.
2. All operations occurring inside the building.
3. Short- and long-term bike parking being provided in compliance with WMC 24.11.080.
4. Addressing comments in Engineering Division section of this report.
5. Design Review Board approval for any exterior changes.
6. Architectural supervision, plan review, and all applicable building permits required for any work being performed. A final occupancy inspection and approval are required prior to occupancy.
7. Providing detailed costs of any alterations and/or new construction, as well as income & expense as requested by the Assessor's office.
8. Compliance with all required Fire Codes.
9. Under WMC 24.16.040I., a Conditional Use will lapse and have no further effect eighteen (18) months after it is approved by the Common Council, unless a building permit has been issued (if required); the use or structure has been lawfully established; or unless a different lapse of approval period or point of expiration has been expressly established by the Common Council.
10. Obtaining other required licenses, permits, and approvals.