Planning commission approves Planet Fitness 24-hour operations with security conditions

VALLEJO, Calif. — The Vallejo Planning Commission voted Oct. 20 to approve a major use permit (PLN-25-98) allowing Planet Fitness at Springtown Shopping Center to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, provided the franchisee implements enhanced security measures described by staff.

Assistant Planner Donna Barsh told the commission the proposal would change only hours of operation for an existing 18,093-square-foot single-story tenant space at 42 Springtown Center and involves no new construction. Staff said the site is adjacent to a medium-density residential zone and therefore triggers Vallejo Municipal Code late-night operation standards; staff recommended approval with conditions requiring exterior lighting at all entrances/exits and parking areas and continuous camera coverage of entrances, exits and adjacent parking.

"During the internal review period, the Vallejo Police Department raised concerns about crime activity in the surrounding area," Barsh said, adding that the applicant revised plans to include enhanced lighting and security cameras and that the VPD reviewed and accepted those additional measures. Barsh also advised the commission that the project qualifies for a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines (Class 1, existing facilities) because it involves no physical expansion.

Andrew Davies, who identified himself as representing the engineering firm processing entitlements for the franchisee, said the operator agreed to the conditions. "They agree to the conditions brought forth by the city," Davies said. He described a staffing plan that keeps a minimum of two employees on site at all times and confirmed the facility uses interior and exterior cameras.

A member of the public, Jose Carrizales, testified in support and described long experience using Planet Fitness locations. "The staff have done their part," Carrizales said. "I respectfully ask that you agree to their hours." He told the commission he does not hear interior music outside and that the facilities he uses have not been a nuisance.

Commissioners asked about camera specifications, the number of overnight patrons and whether doors would be locked at night. The applicant said club doors would remain unlocked during operating hours but staff at the front desk would check members in and out; the applicant said cameras cover the front and rear of the store and that the system is a recently installed, dual-lens setup capable of covering a 180-degree view at main entrances.

Deliberations focused on ensuring security controls are enforceable and that broken lights are repaired promptly. Commissioners discussed whether lighting replacements might fall under center-wide maintenance versus tenant responsibility; staff explained the shopping center comprises multiple parcels and that the tenant or property owner is responsible only for fixtures on the parcel they control.

The commission amended staff's recommended conditions to add a requirement that exterior building lights the tenant controls be repaired or replaced within 48 to 72 hours when they fail. The final motion approved the major use permit subject to the staff findings and conditions, including continuous security-camera coverage, enhanced exterior lighting, ongoing maintenance of those measures and the 48'72-hour light-repair requirement.

Votes at a glance: approved 6ayes, 0 no, motion carried.

The permit record (PLN-25-98) will reflect the conditions of approval, including the lighting- and camera-related restrictions and maintenance requirement. Staff said no additional environmental review is required under CEQA guidelines for the change in hours.

Commissioners and staff noted the approval aims to balance late-night access for shift workers and other users with neighborhood safety and security concerns. The commission's decision includes a staff follow-up expectation that the city will monitor compliance with the lighting and camera conditions and coordinate with the Vallejo Police Department if operational issues arise.