West Covina Planning Commission approves pilates studio, backs limited drive‑thru fixes and changes meeting rules

WEST COVINA, Calif. — The West Covina Planning Commission on July 22 approved a conditional use permit for a pilates studio in downtown West Covina, recommended a code amendment to let existing drive‑thru food businesses modify their lanes under a conditional use permit (excluding one downtown subzone), and voted to add a formal step to its meeting rules requiring either unanimous consent or a motion to end debate before taking a roll‑call vote.

The commission approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2504 for a pilates studio proposed at 547 S. California Ave., following a presentation by planning staff and remarks from applicant Daisy Serrano. Serrano, who identified herself as a family nurse practitioner and local med‑spa operator, said the studio would be a La Gris studio combining Pilates, weight training and cardio and that she already serves clientele in the area. "Hello, my name is Daisy Serrano. I'm a family nurse practitioner and I currently have a medical clinic. ... We focus on wellness and, weight loss," Serrano said during the public hearing.

Planning staff reported the parcel is 4.82 acres and described the tenant space as roughly 1,519 square feet. Staff said the business would operate daily from about 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., offer instructor‑led classes with a maximum of 13 clients per class, and employ a mix of part‑time and full‑time instructors. Planning staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 25‑6168 approving CUP 2504; the commission voted by roll call in favor, 4‑0 (one commissioner absent).

The commission next considered a draft code amendment intended to allow modifications to…