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Planning commission approves parking variance for proposed ‘Zebra World’ indoor playground
Summary
The Rialto Planning Commission approved Variance No. 25-0002 on Dec. 17, 2025, allowing a reduction in required parking for a proposed 25,750 sq ft indoor children’s playground (Zebra World) from 139 spaces to 113, based on a parking‑demand analysis and conditions recommended by staff.
The Rialto Planning Commission voted Dec. 17 to approve Variance No. 25‑0002, allowing the proposed Zebra World indoor children’s playground to operate with 113 parking spaces where the code requires 139. Staff presented a parking‑demand analysis prepared by Lochner Inc., which measured parking utilization at an existing Zebra World in Cathedral City and concluded the combined demand for Zebra World and the adjacent Dutch Bros could be met with the site’s 113 existing spaces. Staff recommended approval, citing consistency with General Plan Goal 3‑1 and a CEQA categorical exemption for existing facilities (Cal. Code Regs., §15301).
Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about shared‑parking agreements and site circulation. Staff said there is no formal shared‑parking agreement; parking is provided on the subject parcel, although physical connections on site allow patrons to walk between uses. A nearby resident raised concerns about vagrancy and safety, noting frequent presence of unhoused people at the location and asking whether hours or other measures had been considered to protect children and customers. Staff and the applicant said property owners have installed chain‑link gates on a private alley to limit unauthorized access and that staff is coordinating required modifications (for example, Knox Box access) so emergency responders retain access.
Commissioner Avalos Villalobos recused herself from the variance decision because of proximity to the project. The record shows roll‑call votes of ayes from Commissioners Schneider, Gutierrez, Chair Storey, Espander, Thompson and Corral; the motion carried and the variance was approved subject to the findings and conditions in the resolution.
What happens next: The variance approval allows the project to proceed under the conditions adopted by the commission; any building permits or operational approvals will require compliance with the conditions and applicable codes. The commission’s action addressed only the parking variance and the discrete findings required for that approval.
