Hemet City Council approves Planet Fitness at Page Plaza with conditional use permit

A new health and fitness center is set to make its debut in Hemet, following a unanimous recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a conditional use permit and specific plan amendment. The proposed Planet Fitness will occupy a 16,000 square foot space within the Page Plaza Shopping Center, which is currently home to various retailers including Walmart and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The application, submitted by Rich Alvarado LLC, seeks to amend the Page Plaza specific plan to include health and fitness centers as a permitted use. This amendment is crucial as such facilities were not previously listed among the allowed uses in the area. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 in favor of the proposal after a public hearing held on December 3, 2024, highlighting its alignment with the city’s goals for economic opportunity and community collaboration.

The new fitness center will feature a main gym area, tanning rooms, hydro massage facilities, and a cryotherapy lounge, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The project is designed to enhance local business offerings and is expected to create jobs, contributing positively to the community's economy.

City staff emphasized that the project complies with the Hemet General Plan and will not adversely affect public health or safety. Additionally, it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, as the amendment does not involve any physical changes to the environment.

Public support for the project was evident during the meeting, with community members expressing enthusiasm for the new business and its potential to provide employment opportunities. The City Council is expected to finalize the approval process in the coming weeks, paving the way for the new Planet Fitness to join the Hemet community.