The Fairfax Planning Commission on Sept. 4 approved a conditional use permit for a communal spa and sauna at 89 Broadway, voting unanimously to allow an interior conversion of the former Bank of America building for bathing, sauna and massage uses with conditions from fire and sanitary agencies and a required parking restripe.

The project and why it matters: Applicants said the proposal would reuse the existing commercial building and provide saunas, hot tubs, a cold plunge and three massage rooms, along with reception and support spaces. No exterior changes were proposed. Commission members and staff framed the approval as a reuse of a large downtown building that could keep more commercial space intact and contribute foot traffic to the walkable downtown.

Safety and utility conditions: The Ross Valley Fire Department required a fire-sprinkler system, a fire alarm system meeting NFPA standards, service and tagging for existing emergency systems before final inspection, and a keyed knock box. Staff also relayed a sanitary-district comment: swimming pools cannot be directly connected to the sewer; pool drainage/discharge and backflow prevention must be shown on building-permit drawings. The staff report recommended conditions including providing evidence of compliance with fire and sewer requirements and a standard dark-sky lighting plan for any new exterior fixtures.

Parking and operational details: The property's private parking lot has an ATM and a limited number of customer spaces; staff and the commission discussed parking generation and the lot's role as informal overflow parking for downtown. The town traffic engineer concluded the spa would likely generate fewer vehicle trips than the prior bank use. At the hearing, the owner agreed to restripe the private lot to make spaces clear; the commission added that restriping as a pre-opening condition. Applicants said they plan to operate daily and offered flexibility on final hours, initially targeting roughly 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. with appointment-based massage services and several staff on peak shifts.

Promised community benefits and operations: The applicants (local residents and business owners) described hiring locally, offering discounts to residents and partnering with neighborhood businesses. They said water use for the facility would rely on recirculated systems and low-flow fixtures; staff noted state public-pool rules will govern details of filtration and discharge and that the applicant must demonstrate a compliant method at building-permit review.

Outcome: The commission adopted Resolution 2025-22 approving the conditional use permit, with conditions that include compliance with Ross Valley Fire Department requirements, demonstration of compliant pool drainage and backflow prevention, and the owner's agreement to restripe the private parking lot prior to opening. The vote was unanimous (voice vote): aye; no opposed.

What happens next: The applicants must submit building permit drawings that show required fire, plumbing and pool systems and obtain approvals from Ross Valley Fire and the sanitary district. If the owner appeals or if there are subsequent changes to plans, those would return to the commission or be handled administratively as required.

Votes and formal action:
Approved CUP for 89 Broadway (Resolution 2025-22) by voice vote; motion passed unanimously.