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Planning commission backs indoor mini-golf permit, neighbors urge light and noise protections
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow a 2,000-square-foot indoor mini-golf business, while neighbors requested changes to lighting and noise controls; the matter goes to the City Council on Dec. 15, 2025.
The City of Blaine Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for an indoor mini-golf facility on a commercial parcel and forwarded the item to the City Council for final approval at its Dec. 15 meeting.
Alex, a city planning staff member, told the commission that the proposed mini-golf would occupy roughly 2,000 square feet and require seven parking spaces; with the site’s existing businesses, staff calculated a total on-site supply of 145 spaces compared with a requirement of 139 spaces. "So parking requirements are met," Alex said, and staff recommended approval with two conditions listed in the staff report.
During public comment, neighbor Malia McGinty said she and other nearby residents were not opposed to the mini-golf but worried the new use could worsen existing problems from an event center on the site. "We don't oppose the creation of the PUTT town. We just want some modifications to the existing structure and lights and sound so that it doesn't get worse," McGinty said, citing late-night noise and light spill that she said make it difficult to keep windows open in summer.
Linda McDonald, another neighbor, echoed concerns about light and noise but said she would welcome additional restaurant options in the shopping area. The property manager, speaking for the absent applicant, said the mini-golf would be entirely internal and apologized that the applicant could not attend; he said the owner and manager would work with neighbors to address lighting and sound.
A commissioner moved to recommend approval of the conditional use permit with the staff conditions; another commissioner seconded and the commission approved the recommendation by voice vote. The item will be considered by the City Council on Dec. 15, 2025.
The commission’s approval was a recommendation only; any neighborhood concerns about lighting, noise or event-center operations remain subject to follow-up with the property manager, the tenant and city code enforcement if complaints continue.
