Planning commission approves conditional-use permit for escape room at 635 W. 5300 S.

The Murray City Planning Commission on March 6, 2025, voted 5-0 to approve a conditional-use permit allowing an escape- and puzzle-room business at 635 West 5300 South, Suite 301.

Staff recommended approval after finding the proposed use complies with the Murray City land use ordinance and the city general plan, and that the site has adequate parking and would meet conditions listed in the staff report.

Ruth Ruach, planning staff, told the commission the tenant space will occupy about 1,400 square feet within the Riverview Office Building on a 1.39-acre parcel in the CD (Commercial Development) zone and that the site provides the 20 parking stalls the code requires. Ruach said staff sent 12 public notices and had received no written public comments before the meeting. "Based on analysis of the conditional use application, staff finds that the proposed use for an escape or puzzle room entertainment business is allowed in the city zoning district subject to conditional use permit approval," Ruach said, and recommended approval subject to three conditions.

Applicant Hannah Tucker confirmed she had reviewed and could comply with the conditions and described the business to the commissioners. "One of our rooms is a Hansel and Gretel escape room — escape the witch's hut," Tucker said. She told the commission the rooms will use puzzles; doors will not be locked and patrons can exit if needed.

Commissioner Pete Haristo made the motion to approve the conditional-use permit; a second was made and the commission took a roll-call vote. Commissioners Pete Haristo, Peter Kling, Katie Rogers, Ned Hacker and Chair Michael Richards all voted "yes." The chair congratulated the applicant after the vote.

No members of the public offered comment at the meeting.

The permit was approved subject to the three conditions presented in staff materials; the conditions were not read into the record in full during the discussion.