Commission approves specific-use permit for golf driving range with 175-foot netting and expanded parking

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a specific-use permit for an outdoor commercial amusement driving range that would include netting up to 175 feet in height and an on-site parking plan that exceeds minimum requirements.

Planning staff described the property as zoned commercial and said the applicant’s new concept plan moved the development south compared with a previously approved site to the north. Staff noted the proposed netting height request was 175 feet. The applicant supplied a floor plan showing the parking requirement of 268 spaces under the current program; the proposed plan incorporates 345 spaces.

Applicant Anthony Winkler, who said he has worked on the project for four years, told commissioners cost and financing changes prompted a scaled-back design. He said the project dropped from a three-story building concept to a one-story structure and shifted land uses to reduce cost, while retaining real golf balls, tracking technology and a heavy emphasis on food and entertainment. “We will still have tracking. We will still have real golf balls, real clubs,” Winkler said, adding the venue is intended primarily for families and entertainment as much as for serious golfers.

Staff reported that 11 mailed notices were sent and no written responses were received. Commissioners asked about the netting versus building height and parking; staff confirmed the height request applies to netting. The motion to approve Z2025-024 passed 5-0. The case will move to City Council for final consideration.