Council refers zoning changes to allow fitness studios and Bernie's Book Bank relocation to planning commission

The Glendale Common Council unanimously referred a zoning text amendment to the Planning and Architecture Review Commission that would create a new defined use for "fitness activity studio," permit certain business-office and light-manufacturing accessory uses in the B‑1 C‑1 district and consider relocation requests from two businesses.

Staff said Bernie's Book Bank, a nonprofit, seeks to locate at 5235 Ironwood, and that a current occupant (La Casa) has been purchased by a private equity company; the proposed amendment would permit general business offices with accessory uses including light manufacturing not exceeding 60% of a building's gross floor area in the B‑1 C‑1 district. Separately, Top Line Gym seeks to relocate from 2012 West Bender to 2345 West Mill in the B‑5 district. Staff said a new, defined use for "fitness activity studio" is proposed because similar uses currently are allowed only through other classifications in the S‑1 district or as private clubs.

Alderman Vukovich asked about tax consequences when a nonprofit occupies property owned by a private entity; staff said the Department of Revenue rules require the property to be owned and operated by a nonprofit to qualify for exemption and that staff would double-check the tax status. Staff also said that properties owned by a nonprofit but not operating in the nonprofit use may still be taxable.

A motion to refer the text amendment to the Planning and Architecture Review Commission was moved by Alderman Doherty and seconded by Alderman Vukovich. The council will hold a public hearing on any amendment that returns to them per city code; the item was referred by voice vote.