The Navasota Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a development plan for a massage day spa to operate at 612 East Washington, a historic house in the city’s business overlay district, staff and applicants said.

Staff explained that the property is zoned B-1 (Business) and that the overlay district requires development-plan approval for mixed-use businesses; the personal-service use (massage day spa) is listed as a permitted use under B-1 but the overlay triggers the development-plan review. Staff also noted that the structure has been restored and that the proposed sign needs only minor adjustment to meet overlay standards.

Property owner Randall Paulus described restoring the two-story house and said the business would occupy parlors on the first floor while upstairs would remain residential. “We just, got a little exuberant with the sign,” Paulus said; he and staff agreed the sign’s supporting legs would be shortened to meet the overlay requirements.

Operator Tina Nguyen, a licensed massage therapist, said she already holds required state licenses and will provide massage and skin-care services. The applicants proposed business hours of about 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; staff and commissioners noted there is on-site driveway parking and street parking nearby for overflow.

Commissioner Dean moved to recommend approval of the development plan application submitted for the property at 612 East Washington; Commissioner Caroline seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with no opposition recorded. Staff said the item will move to the City Council for final action, which staff indicated is scheduled for the 14th.