Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Business Permitting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission grants five‑year conditional use permit to Sedusa Studios after lapse discovered
Summary
After staff said Sedusa Studios’ conditional use permit had lapsed in 2022, the Planning Commission reviewed operations and the city’s tracking systems and unanimously approved a five‑year conditional use permit (PLN2025-10), 7–0, while urging improved notification by the city.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a five‑year conditional use permit for Sedusa Studios (1300 Dell Avenue) on Sept. 23, 2025, after staff disclosed the studio’s prior CUP had expired in 2022.
Project planner Steven Rose told commissioners the studio occupies roughly 3,200 square feet of a three‑tenant, 7,200 sq. ft. building in a research-and-development zoning district and that studio uses in that district are permitted for limited terms (typically five years). Rose said Sedusa has operated in the space for about 19 years with no formal complaints and that staff recommended approval of a conditional use permit to formalize the continued operation, with conditions including occupancy limits and the requirement that any alcohol service would need a separate one‑day liquor license.
Several commissioners pressed staff about how the permit expired. Rose acknowledged the lapse and said it was missed because the city historically used disparate tracking systems; the expiry surfaced when another tenant inquired about establishing a fitness studio nearby. He said the city has implemented a new permitting platform (MyGovernmentOnline) to provide automated alerts to staff and applicants.
Owner Felicia Drake said she bought the business under owner financing in 2017, paid business licenses annually and was not informed the conditional use permit needed renewal. Drake described the studio’s events as student showcases and facilitated classes and stated, "we absolutely don't have alcohol or food in the facility." She said typical class hours are evening slots (about 5–9 p.m.) and that she promptly worked with staff after learning of the lapse.
Commissioners debated whether to grant a full five‑year term — which the code allows — or a shorter period to avoid setting a precedent that might reward late renewals. Several members supported the full five years given the studio’s long, complaint‑free history and the city’s admitted tracking lapse. A motion to grant the full five‑year conditional use permit was made, seconded and passed by a 7–0 roll-call vote.
Staff said inspections will follow to ensure occupancy signage, accessibility and other building‑safety items are met and that separate approvals would be required if the studio hosts events involving alcohol.
The commission’s action is final unless appealed in writing to the city clerk within 10 calendar days.
