Commission backs PUD rezoning to allow indoor event center at 5707 NW 42nd, residents cite late-hours concerns

The Warr Acres Planning Commission on Dec. 10 voted to recommend that the City Council approve a Planned Unit Development (PUD) rezoning to allow an event center at 5707 Northwest 42nd Street.

Staff explained the PUD sets a C3 base zoning but restricts allowable uses and adds site-specific regulations (screening, lighting, and development standards) so that the property can transition from nearby commercial corridors to adjacent residential areas. "This identifies the base zoning district as C3 ... but it restricts the allowable uses," staff said during the presentation, noting the PUD includes screening and lighting requirements to reduce visual and noise impacts.

George Marquez, representing Civil and Environmental Consultants, summarized the applicant’s plan: an indoor event venue for private functions and community gatherings, leasable to different users. Marquez said hours could extend into late evening for some events; the applicant stated events would "stop at 1" so "everybody's out of that place by 2 AM." Marquez added the venue would generally operate seven days but that most activity would likely concentrate on weekends.

Neighbors focused their comments on safety and neighborhood character. Michael Horn (5701 NW 42nd) said the proximity of a daycare and evening pick-up times raised safety concerns if patrons had been drinking: "If a kid runs out in the street and if they've been drinking across the street, that's a recipe of disaster," he told the commission. Other residents said historic events under prior church ownership tended to end earlier and worried that a 1 a.m. closing would disturb nearby homes.

Commissioners discussed applicable code and enforcement options. Staff and commissioners noted the "disturbing-the-peace" ordinance and a municipal noise ordinance referenced by the public; they also said the PUD process allows them to write site-specific conditions (for example, hours of operation, fencing, signage and parking/traffic management) to address neighborhood concerns. Staff suggested measures such as signage to direct traffic and minimizing disturbance to nearby streets.

The applicant and representative emphasized the venue would be indoor-only (no outdoor events) and said leases and contractual conditions for lessees would be used to enforce acceptable conduct. The PUD application includes plans for privacy fencing (stockade-type fence of the 6–8 foot range was discussed) and parking sized to the building's square footage.

A motion to recommend the PUD rezoning to the City Council passed by voice vote. The commission reminded the applicant that its action is a recommendation; the City Council will hold the final public hearing next Tuesday at 6 p.m. in this room.

The commission and staff encouraged the applicant to consider specific PUD conditions addressing hours, signage, fencing, and traffic management to reduce neighborhood impacts ahead of the City Council hearing.