Planning Manager Libby Grage presented a proposal to allow limited indoor recreation (fitness studios, martial-arts, small indoor courts) in the LM-1 and industrial zones, capped at buildings less than 10,000 square feet, with standards intended to minimize conflicts with adjacent industrial uses (noise, truck access, hours). The proposal originally included a 20-person maximum occupancy; staff said the number was chosen to keep uses clearly small scale.

Commissioners questioned whether a hard numeric cap was enforceable or too restrictive. Commissioner Jarecki and others argued 20 could be too restrictive for viable studios and suggested a higher number or director discretion. One participant with operator experience said a 6,000-square-foot studio might run two classes simultaneously at 30–35 participants. After discussion, staff proposed revising the language to set a 30-person maximum but allow the director to approve a higher number if the increase would not adversely affect adjacent industrial uses.

The commission did not adopt code text at the Oct. 1 meeting; staff said they would revise the draft language to reflect the commission’s preference for a 30-person cap with director discretion and return the changes for the Oct. 22 public hearing and packet materials.

This discussion was part of the Planning Commission’s broader review of Title 19 development-regulation updates; the written comment period for the overall package is open through Oct. 22.