Fearless Kitty, a no-kill cat and kitten rescue organization, has applied to the Town for a special use permit to operate indoor kennels in the former Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices on the Avenue of the Fountains.

The Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on the request and consider a recommendation to the Town Council. The meeting is 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11, at Town Hall in council chambers.

The proposed new location for the Kitty Rescue is 16832 E. Avenue of the Fountains in the C-2 zoning district. Town Interim Development Services Director Bob Rodgers said the Zoning Ordinance classifies Fearless Kitty Rescue as a kennel and therefore needs the special use permit to operate in the C-2 zoning district.

Rodgers said staff reviewed four criteria related to special use permits and found that the operation is likely to have no significant on the surrounding area and businesses.

He is asking for two stipulations to the permit, not storage of materials or inventory outside the building, and signage is to receive separate approval.

Following its public hearing the commission will consider a recommendation to Town Council.

The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization currently has an intake room, playroom for older cats and nurseries for kittens at 16913 E. Enterprise Drive. The new site is approximately 5,200 square feet and is planned to include non-critical medical services such as vaccinations, a volunteer information area, office and small conference room.

A report provided by the organization notes that Fearless Kitty Rescue has been in Fountain Hills since 2012 and serves not only Fountain Hills, but the greater Phoenix area as well, accepting rescues from no-kill shelters from across the state.

The Town Council has a public hearing scheduled for its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The council will consider granting the permit at that meeting.

If the special use permit is approved, CEO and co-founder Kim Kamins said the organization would renovate the building’s interior with Dec. 1 as a targeted opening date.

The organization operates with about 70 volunteers. Fearless Kitty is dedicated to finding homes for abandoned and homeless cats of all ages and educating the public about responsible pet ownership.