Shelton commission approves text change to allow fitness centers in industrial zones

The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved a text amendment to permit fitness centers in selected industrial zones, voting 6-0 after a public hearing and edits to the draft language.

The change revises the definition of “fitness center” in section 5.14 of the Shelton planning and zoning regulations and adds the use to Schedule A (use line 16a) so fitness businesses may be permitted in I A 1, I A 2, I A 3, I B 1 and I B 2 areas through site plan review and any required special exception process.

Commissioners said the amendment is intended to give building owners more options for leasing underused industrial space and enable community-oriented fitness and training businesses to operate in larger, higher-ceiling spaces traditionally built for manufacturing. Applicant Jesse Serone, who runs a martial arts school in Shelton, told the commission he trains families, law-enforcement officers and children in town and said the change would “be a really good thing for the community and, for the building owners especially.”

The commission’s final text retained a range of typical fitness activities after discussion about wording. Attorney Dominic Thomas, who assisted the applicant on drafting, and commissioners recommended clarifying that the definition cover “activities” as well as equipment and that items such as tanning booths, sauna or steam rooms, limited retail sales (nutritional supplements and gym apparel) and nonalcoholic health drinks be expressly accessory to the fitness use.

Commissioners and staff also removed a catchall phrase that read “related sports activities” after members raised concerns it could be read to allow large indoor sports complexes (for example, full-size indoor fields) without additional review. The commission added a provision that any massage services included must be clearly accessory and an insignificant component of the fitness center, consistent with the city’s existing ordinance definitions.

A formal amendment motion — moved by Commissioner Cristiano and seconded by Commissioner Kelly — included the edited language and the companion change to Schedule A. After discussion and confirmation that the expanded language and schedule change were included, the commission voted 6-0 to approve the text amendment. The commission noted a future business would still need to submit a site plan for review and any required special exception or approvals.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the amendment could help reactivate vacant industrial buildings by creating a permitted path for a range of fitness-related enterprises while preserving the commission’s ability to review specific site plans for parking, traffic and other neighborhood impacts.

What’s next: The amendment takes effect after administrative processing. Individual fitness operators seeking to locate in industrial zones must file site-plan applications and meet the conditions of any future approvals.