Solon's zoning code does not allow pet stores in shopping plazas and other retail-friendly areas, but city planners can't find a good reason why they shoudn't be allowed.

Now planners have a good reason to allow for pet stores in these areas: The owner of Uptown Solon Shopping Center hopes to open a pet store in the plaza.

Planning Director Rob Frankland said there is "no obvious planning rationale" for not allowing pet stores in the same zoning district that includes shopping centers, sit-down restaurants, banks and other office and retail uses.

The zoning code would have to be amended for pet stores to be allowed, and that would require a public hearing and to have the amendment placed on the ballot in November.

City Council referred the matter to the planning commission earlier this week.