Council approves design review and setback variance for proposed Gordon’s Gym at 159 Auburn Street

The Colfax City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution approving a design review permit and a variance that would allow construction of a 6,890‑square‑foot fitness facility at 159 Auburn Street.

Planning consultant Kathy Pease summarized the application, explaining the mixed‑use zoning, a proposed 4‑foot side and rear setback where larger setbacks are typically required adjacent to residential, and a plan for five on‑site parking stalls with 13 on‑street stalls plus reliance on proximity to the transit center to reduce the standard parking requirement. “This project proposes a 4 foot setback,” Pease said during the staff presentation.

Why it matters: The project will introduce a full‑service gym and related personal services into downtown Colfax, altering land‑use intensity on the northwest corner of Oak and Auburn streets and potentially affecting parking and pedestrian safety in the immediate neighborhood.

Public comment and council questions: Council members asked whether the applicant had coordinated weekday access to a neighboring church parking lot; the applicant said talks had begun but no agreement was finalized. Neighbors who attended said they had no objection and several said they supported development on the currently vacant lot. One resident asked the city to address potential illegal curbside parking during events; council indicated enforcement and painted curb lines could be used to mitigate problems.

Council action: A council member moved approval of the resolution as recommended by staff and another council member seconded; roll call vote was recorded as unanimous and the resolution passed.

What’s next: The project will proceed under the terms of the resolution and the applicant will continue coordination with neighboring property owners about parking and access. Staff and the applicant flagged potential pedestrian‑safety measures, such as painted traffic calming markings on South Auburn Street, for future implementation.

Details: The applicant noted grading is needed due to a 6% slope; landscaping plans include new Japanese maples and cedars; the project was found exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as infill construction under the 10,000 sq ft threshold.

Outcome and timing: Council approved the variance and design review; the applicant may proceed with permits consistent with the approved resolution and conditions of approval.