Burlingame planning commission approves Pilates studio at 1465 Burlingame Avenue

The Burlingame Planning Commission on Feb. 23 unanimously approved a conditional use permit to allow a small-scale commercial recreation use — a Pilates studio operated by MNT Studio — at 1465 Burlingame Avenue.

Staff told the commission the building is zoned Burlingame Avenue Commercial (BAC) and lies in the downtown specific plan area; staff concluded the proposed studio would be compatible with the zoning and surrounding mixed-use downtown and recommended approval with conditions including compliance with the city noise ordinance and a requirement that exterior doors remain closed during class times. The commission followed staff’s recommendation on a 5–0 vote.

The applicant, an MNT Studio representative, said the business operates three other studios in the region and emphasized community-building as a core element of the proposal. “We are all about community and building community and growing community,” the representative said, adding the Burlingame location was top of clients’ request lists.

Commissioners asked whether the tenant space has residential uses above and about egress and noise. Staff clarified the upstairs space is vacant and the proposal requires only interior tenant improvements; the applicant said rear and side doors will remain unlocked for convenience but that staff and conditions require those doors to remain closed during classes to limit exterior noise.

The commission recorded the standard 10-day appeal period and noted appeals must be filed in writing and accompanied by the city’s $924 appeal fee for noticing costs. Because the action was a formal approval of a conditional use permit, the city’s appeal window applies.

The commission’s action resolves the planning review for that permit application; building permits and any tenant-improvement permits will follow the planning action and are subject to separate building-department review and conditions.