Board tables fitness facility and parking reduction petitions after finding unauthorized operation

The Crown Point Appeals Board on Nov. 24 tabled petitions 25-43 and 25-44 after finding the petitioner had already opened a fitness facility in an I-1 industrial building without required permits or inspections.

Petitioner William Brie said the facility is a semi-private personal-training business (by appointment) with one staff member and that he believed six parking spaces had been designated by the property owner. Brie apologized to the board and said he initially failed to follow up on permitting steps after contacting zoning staff earlier in the year.

City planning staff reported that the petitioner opened the business without required permits, temporary signage had been installed without a sign permit, and interior work was performed without building or fire inspections. Staff also said that designating six spots for the petitioner would leave too few parking spaces for the remaining units in the six-unit building; the site currently has 23 spaces total and dedicated allocations from other tenants reduce available parking for future occupants.

Board members expressed concern over the petitioner’s decision to operate while the approvals were pending, and several members emphasized that classes must cease until required permits and safety inspections are completed. Legal counsel and staff advised the board they could not approve an already-illegal operation; the board discussed deferral versus tabling and decided to table both petitions to allow the petitioner time to obtain required inspections, fire- and state-level approvals, and written, marked parking commitments.

The board recorded the motion to table in roll call, with all sitting members voting to table. Staff and several members offered to assist the petitioner in coordinating inspections and permit steps if he pursues a return to the board.