Breakaway Billiards owner tells council city staff required architectural approval before work started

Dwight Fox, owner of Breakaway Billiards, spoke during public comment at the Oct. 22 Washington Court House City Council meeting to dispute reporting he said mischaracterized the business’s permitting timeline. Fox said the city issued a temporary occupancy permit on Aug. 1 with conditions requiring a change of use from mercantile to assembly, installation of restrooms and a dedicated egress corridor for safety.

Fox said his architect, McCarty, was hired in August to prepare plans and that the building department—through the official Breedlove—required architectural drawings and an approved permit before any construction could begin. “We was told prior to submitting a approval for approval, we was told that we couldn't start any construction without an approval and a permit,” Fox said, adding that beginning work without approval could lead the matter to the prosecutor’s office.

Fox thanked city staff, specifically naming Joe Dennen, and said the delay was a function of the review process rather than negligence. “Joe Dennen has been a big help. He’s actually gave me advice at a time at certain times,” Fox said. He described the billiards hall as a “safe environment” and urged the council and community to view the business as family friendly.

Council did not take legislative action in response to Fox’s remarks. The comment followed a presentation by the city manager and a short promotional video and came before the council’s scheduled consideration of multiple resolutions and an ordinance affecting community development.

The council did not ask for additional staff reports on Breakaway Billiards during the meeting; no enforcement action was announced.

Looking ahead, any formal building-code or occupancy decisions would be administrative actions by the building department or results of later council action should staff bring a code enforcement or permit-related matter forward.