Waukesha Plan Commission tables request to add trailer rentals at Total Flex Gym, seeks original permit records

The Waukesha City Plan Commission on May 28 tabled consideration of a conditional use permit application that would allow a trailer rental business to operate alongside Total Flex Gym at 400 Southwest Avenue, saying members want staff to locate the original conditional use approval and verify compliance before acting.

Commissioners said they have seen persistent outdoor storage, semi-trailers and workout equipment on the property and want clearer, enforceable conditions before approving an additional conditional use. Staff told the commission the applicant agreed to remove semi-trailers used for storage by Aug. 1, 2025, and that staff recommends conditions limiting on-site trailer counts and prohibiting vehicle sales.

Why it matters: Commissioners said prior agreements with the gym owner about outdoor storage were not fully honored and they are reluctant to approve a new, related commercial use while outstanding compliance concerns remain. Tabling gives staff time to locate the original conditional-use file, return with that record and invite the applicant to the next meeting.

Staff presentation and proposed limits Robin (City staff) summarized the application and site: the property is in the M1 Light Manufacturing District and currently houses Total Flex Gym in a former DMV building. The applicant proposed to locate small rental trailers on the south side of the lot and keep enclosed trailers and a fire truck on the west side. Staff said there are 88 parking stalls on-site and recommended approval with conditions including addressing engineering/fire/water comments, ensuring trailers and vehicles park only in designated spaces, limiting the site to no more than 25 trailers at a time, requiring removal of semi-trailers used for storage by 08/01/2025, limiting use to rentals (no vehicle sales), prohibiting trailer use for business storage, and barring display or “for sale” signs.

Commissioner concerns and requests for records Several commissioners said the property has not complied with promises previously made when the gym’s original conditional use was approved. Commissioner Monteil said he drives by frequently and called the site “politely a disaster,” asking whether staff had received complaints; staff said none were on record but that recent photos show improvement and the semi-trailers remain.

Commissioner Frank Warren and others asked that staff return with the original conditional-use approval and suggested stronger, specific conditions about where outdoor equipment may be stored so it remains out of public view. Commissioner Wells asked that the permit explicitly prohibit trailer or vehicle sales (staff confirmed vehicle sales are not allowed in M1 and agreed to add “trailers” to the language to avoid ambiguity). Commissioner Keller asked staff to check whether the gym’s outdoor training devices (large tires) were intended to be seasonal.

Motion to table A commissioner moved to table the item so staff could retrieve the original conditional use approval, circulate the meeting materials to commissioners, and have the applicant attend the next meeting; a second followed. The motion passed by voice vote and the item was tabled to the commission’s next meeting (no public hearing required to resume consideration).

Next steps Staff will locate and provide the original conditional use permit record and related meeting materials, invite the applicant to the next Plan Commission hearing, and return with any clarifying enforcement history. The transcript records the Aug. 1, 2025 removal deadline for semi-trailers as a staff-proposed condition; commissioners asked staff to return with a clear statement of prior conditions and recommended enforcement steps.

Ending: The tabling preserves the commission’s ability to add or tighten conditions on the proposed trailer-rental operation after reviewing the earlier approval and hearing directly from the applicant.