Planning Commission recommends indoor, members-only golf simulator at Oaktree Plaza; variance for residential buffer also recommended

That Golf Place, a members-only indoor golf simulator proposed for 2,200 square feet at Oaktree Plaza, won a unanimous 5–0 recommendation from the Village of Westmont Planning & Zoning Commission on July 9. The commission recommended approval of a special use permit to operate an “amusement establishment” in the B‑2 General Business District and also recommended a variance from the zoning requirement that indoor amusements be set back 100 feet from residentially zoned property.

The applicants, identifying themselves as Sid and Pulkit, told the commission the business will operate by reservation only, limit access to members through keypad entry, use 24/7 camera monitoring, and sound‑treat the interior to prevent noise from reaching nearby homes. “Every session is booked in advance. There’s no walk‑ins,” Sid said during the presentation, describing the model as “think of it like a private gym, but for golf.” Pulkit said the use is contained entirely indoors and that staff will enforce no outdoor music or crowding.

Staff explained the use does not fit existing definitions for a health club or spa and therefore most closely matches the zoning category “amusement establishment,” which carries a special condition requiring a 100‑foot separation from residential districts. The building sits roughly 25 feet from residential zoning, so the applicant requested a variance. Scott, planning staff, told commissioners parking for the multi‑tenant plaza is grandfathered and that the applicant had updated proposed weekday hours (originally 4 a.m.–11 p.m. in the packet) to 4 a.m.–midnight.

Commissioners sought details about noise control, number of simulator bays, occupancy and operations. The applicants said they will start with two simulator bays (expandable to four), cap groups at four per bay, and expect typical peak hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Commissioner Thomas said noise seemed to be addressed in the presentation; Commissioner Donahue asked about alcohol and was told no alcohol is allowed on the premises per the applicants’ membership terms and conditions.

After discussion, the commission moved and voted to recommend approval of both the special use permit and the variance to the 100‑foot separation requirement. Roll call recorded five votes in favor, none opposed. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Village Board will make the final decision at a later date. Staff said applicants will be notified of the village board date (staff indicated July 24 during the meeting).

Proposed conditions discussed during the hearing included: no alcohol on site and that the rear service door remain available only to owners/operators (not members) to prevent access to the alley near residences; commissioners noted those items in oral comments though they were not added as formal PCC conditions in the motion.

The commission’s packet contains the applicant’s written responses to the special‑use standards and the variance criteria. The staff report and the applicants’ operation descriptions are available in the case file submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission.