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Entrepreneur seeks temporary haunted‑house/escape‑room approval; city inspectors report certificate‑of‑occupancy review underway
Summary
Christopher Scholes told the council he seeks permission to operate a temporary haunted house as a fundraiser and then renovate a former pawn‑shop building into a year‑round escape‑room business. City staff said fire and building inspectors have a plan and expect to wrap up the certificate‑of‑occupancy application in the next day or two.
Christopher Scholes, who is converting a former pawn shop on 209th Street and Sunny Lane, asked the Del City City Council during public comment for assistance to open a temporary haunted‑house fundraiser for up to 14 days while he raises funds to remodel the building into an escape‑room business.
Scholes said he formed an LLC, applied for a state tax ID and submitted a business plan to city planning staff. He said the project would include an eventual larger remodel to add ADA‑compliant restrooms and interior wall systems for escape‑room scenarios.
When Scholes spoke the planner interrupted to say fire and building inspectors had met on the property, the fire chief had drafted a plan, and staff anticipated wrapping up his certificate‑of‑occupancy (CO) application "very soon" — the planner told him she expected to hear back in a day or two.
Scholes acknowledged safety concerns raised by staff, including requirements for lighted exit signage and other measures that could affect how the temporary haunted house operates. He told the council and staff that his employees will be trained on extinguishers and emergency procedures and that the operation would use two‑way radios for staff communication.
Why it matters
Small business openings and temporary events can affect downtown activity and public safety. Scholes’ request demonstrates an entrepreneur using a temporary event to fund a longer‑term investment and shows active involvement by building, fire and planning staff in vetting safety requirements.
Clarifying details and next steps
- Scholes requested temporary approval for a 14‑day haunted‑house fundraiser to help finance a full remodel; hours proposed to end Nov. 9 for the temporary phase. - City staff said fire and building inspectors have reviewed the property and that a CO application was in process; the planner anticipated completion within a day or two. - Staff emphasized compliance with fire‑safety measures (exit signage, staff training) and that any final operating permission will depend on approvals from building and fire officials.
