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Area board recommends approval for massage salon special use at 12525 Anderson Road
Summary
The St. Joseph County Area Board recommended a favorable referral to the County Council for a special-use permit to allow a state-licensed massage salon in an office-zoned building at 12525 Anderson Road, subject to staff conditions limiting hours and prohibiting accessory dwelling units.
The St. Joseph County Area Board of Zoning Appeals voted to send a favorable recommendation to the County Council for a special-use permit allowing a massage salon at 12525 Anderson Road in the office district. The recommendation is contingent on conditions recommended by Area Plan Commission staff, including hours of operation and a commitment that the suite not be used as a dwelling.
Area Planning Commission staff summarized the request as a special-use petition to permit “a massage parlor with services provided by a practitioner licensed by the state of Indiana in the O Office District,” noting the land was rezoned to office in March 2023 and the building contains six suites. Staff said the option to allow massage salons in the office district was added by text amendment in March 2024 and recommended approval under the state-law special-use criteria because the use is consistent with nearby commercial uses and compatible with surrounding residences. Staff said, “Massage salons are relatively new special use option in the office district,” and recommended two written commitments: limit hours (staff suggested 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and prohibit use of a suite as a dwelling unit incidental to the salon.
Dennis Miller, the petitioner and representative of Miller Family Development Company, told the board the building was completed in September and the proposed salon would occupy one suite. Miller described the practitioner as licensed and offering remedial medical and relaxation services; he asked for a favorable recommendation. Board member questions focused on whether the petitioner would accept staff conditions; Miller replied he had no problem with them.
After closing the public hearing with no speakers in support or opposition, board member Doctor Lauch moved to recommend the special use be sent to the County Council with a favorable recommendation subject to staff conditions. Joe Vellman seconded. A roll call vote recorded Schafer: yes; Rausch: yes; Ritzma: yes; Velman: yes; Dr. Lauch: yes; Byers: yes. The motion carried unanimously by the six members present.
The favorable recommendation does not itself grant the special use; final approval rests with the St. Joseph County Council. The staff report states the establishment and practitioners must comply with state licensing and Saint Joseph County Chapter 113 inspection requirements administered by the health department.
