10/08/2008 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• AGENDA ITEM 6.A. STAFF ORIGINATOR: Paul Bengtson MEETING DATE: October 8, 2008 TOPIC: Non - Veterinarian Animal Chiropractic Practices BACKGROUND The State of Minnesota recently adopted a revision to state statutes to allow chiropractors to practice upon animals, if certain requirements were met. Previously only licensed veterinarians were allowed to do such work. Our city is home to one of the chiropractors has requested to expand their business to include animal chiropractic care at their current location in the Rice Lake Professional Center building at 6776 Lake Drive. The State Statute that was adopted is attached. It leaves much of the regulation of the use to the licensing board. The Minnesota state chiropractic board requires the following for treating animals: • • Must register with the chiropractic board • Must have completed an approved course of at least 210 hours • Must have a referral from a Veterinarian • Must have a separate treatment room • Must complete 6 additional hours of continuing education in this subject every year The state board currently lists 5 licensed (non - veterinarian) animal chiropractors, two are located in Minneapolis, and the others are located in Roseville, Plymouth, and Lino Lakes. I've spoken with the other cities that have animal chiropractors in their city and none have specifically amended their codes to address the issue. However, city staff is concerned with the potential consequences of allowing animal related uses in buildings that are not specifically designed to allow them. It is a potential public health, safety and welfare issue that the zoning ordinance is meant to prevent. ANALYSIS Currently, any chiropractic care allowed in Lino Lakes is allowed within the Office Business — Clinic definition: An establishment located within a building or portion of a building providing out - patient health services to patrons, including general medical clinics, mental health providers, chiropractor, dentists, orthodontia, oral surgeons, opticians, and other uses of similar character. As the definition uses the word `patrons', staff has determined that it implies people who buy the goods or use the services, not animals. The ordinance could be amended to specify animal chiropractic as part of the office iiwbusiness-clinic definition, but this would mean it would be allowed in any office building in the city. IP