REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Action on a Conditional Use Permit for BMI Fitness to allow a gym at 1678 Coleman Avenue
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Project: Use Permit to allow a gym
Applicant: Simon Lin, Eleven Ten Architects
General Plan: Santa Clara Station Area Plan
Zoning: Light Industrial (ML)
Site Area: 1.02 acres
Existing Site Conditions: Two existing one-story industrial buildings
Surrounding Land Uses
North: Industrial uses
South: Industrial uses
East: Industrial uses
West: De La Cruz Boulevard
Issues: Consistency with the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance
Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution approving the Use Permit, subject to conditions of approval
BACKGROUND
BMI Fitness filed an application on September 28, 2018 to legalize an existing gym within an approximately 5,000 square foot industrial building. BMI Fitness has been operating at the subject location since at least March 2015 when the property owner was cited for unpermitted tenant improvements related to the building's conversion to a gym use. The gym operates as a "by appointment only" facility and has an average class size of four people. There are typically four clients and four trainers utilizing the space at any given time.
A gymnasium is not permitted by right in the Light Industrial (ML) zoning district. Pursuant to Section 18.48.040(e) of the Santa Clara City Code, uses that are not permitted by right but that are appropriate for an industrial area, such as lodges and bingo halls, can be conditionally permitted in the ML zone, provided that the proposed use and structure would not be objectionable or detrimental to adjacent properties or to the industrial area in general by reason of traffic, parking, noise, inappropriate design or signs. The Planning Commission has granted CUPs for gyms in the City's industrial zones in the past.
The project site is located on the north side of Coleman Avenue. There are two one-story industrial...
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