Encinitas hearing approves minor use and coastal permits for Spring Theory Pilates in North Coast Business Park

At a Zoning Administrative Hearing on March 11, 2025, the City of Encinitas approved a minor use permit and coastal development permit allowing Spring Theory Pilates to operate in an existing 1,482-square-foot tenant suite at 543 Encinitas Boulevard, Unit 100, within the North Coast Business Park.

The permit was required because Encinitas Municipal Code section 30.09 requires a minor use permit for group exercise uses in the business park zone, and a coastal development permit was required because the site lies within the city's coastal overlay zone. Staff said the project does not propose exterior changes or added floor area. The staff report recommended approval and concluded the project is consistent with the general plan, the local coastal program and applicable zoning standards. Staff also said the project is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15301, which covers operation, repair, maintenance, permitting or minor alteration of existing private structures involving negligible or no expansion of use.

Kipo, the staff presenter, told the hearing the applicant held a citizen participation meeting on Jan. 21, 2025, at City Hall; two members of the public attended and provided no opposition. A mailed notice of pending action on Feb. 27, 2025, yielded one supportive comment, the staff report said.

Heather, the applicant and owner of Spring Theory Pilates, addressed the hearing. She said, "this approval of my application will allow me to operate my business in Encinitas to continue to operate, which is the city I live in, and employ local residents, and then also allow our current clientele of residents to experience the high quality Pilates they're used to in an environment where we have so many group experiences." Heather explained that the studio's typical instruction is largely one-on-one despite being classified as group exercise.

The hearing officer said the item was straightforward and approved the permit, adding that the paperwork should be routed for signature.

The project will use the existing tenant space and does not authorize exterior modifications or increased building footprint. No conditions beyond those noted in staff materials were raised on the record.