Livonia planning commission recommends approval for Impact Mentoring Jiu-Jitsu at 37461 Schoolcraft Road

The Livonia City Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward an approving recommendation to city council for a waiver allowing Impact Mentoring Jiu-Jitsu to operate an indoor martial-arts studio at 37461 Schoolcraft Road.

Planning staff told commissioners the proposed tenant space measures about 1,900 square feet inside an existing 12,000-square-foot multi-tenant industrial building on a roughly 1.19-acre parcel zoned M-1. Under section 6.32 of the Livonia zoning ordinance, indoor recreation uses require a waiver; staff said the suite’s area would trigger a requirement for 10 parking spaces and that the site has roughly 60 spaces total for the building. Engineering, fire and police reviewers submitted comments with no objections; the fire marshal noted that any sprinkler and alarm systems must remain functional and that a full plan review will follow when a complete plan set is submitted.

Petitioner James Gray described programming for children and adults, saying classes would run weekdays and weekends and that the operation emphasizes youth leadership: “making leaders out of the younger kids,” he said. Gray told the commission his prior locations were in Belleville and Canton and said he expects to complete only minor interior work before seeking a certificate of occupancy in Livonia.

Commissioners asked about peak parking demand and shared-parking arrangements; Gray said he expects parents to drop off children and return later, and that adult classes occur after typical business hours. The commission’s approving resolution included conditions referencing the site plan and building elevations dated 06/09/2025, limits on signage, and parking stripe dimensions; the approval is valid for one year pending permits.

Commissioner Denaro moved to approve the petition; Commissioner Ventura supported the motion. The secretary called the roll and commissioners voted aye; the chair said the recommendation will be placed on a forthcoming city council agenda for final action. Staff told the petitioner that a requested seven-day waiver of the normal waiting period would not accelerate the council’s calendar in this case.