Planning commission recommends denial for massage/spa in industrial park at South Jupiter Road

The Garland Planning Commission on Aug. 11 voted unanimously to recommend denial of a specific-use permit for a personal services use (massage and foot massage) at 1914 South Jupiter Road, Suite A (case Z25-27).

Staff explained the property’s base zoning is industrial and that the planned development (PD) already allows several retail-type uses but that a personal services use could be out of place in a surrounding industrial area. The planner noted the suite is 1,200 square feet and that the use would require an SUP under the industrial zoning district.

Applicant Kang Lin told the commission the business would provide licensed massage services for local workers and visitors. “It's a massage foot massage place that is, going to provide, like, their beautiful, massage and, like, deep tissue massage for, you know, for the people,” Lin said, adding that all staff would be licensed.

Commissioners questioned whether the proposed use was the best fit for the corner and cited concerns about the surrounding industrial character. Commissioner Abel, whose district includes the corner, said, “I don't think this is the highest and best use for this location. I'm worried about what it would bring.” Commissioner Cornelius voiced similar concerns.

Commissioner Abel moved to recommend denial; Commissioner Duckworth seconded. The motion to recommend denial passed unanimously.

Staff said one support letter and one opposition letter were received within the notification area; staff also noted the site requires five parking spaces and that a nearby correspondent supported the use only if it did not park on adjacent property. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded in the normal PD/SUP review process.