Council approves interim use permit for spa at former mill and grants variance to MVE Biological Solutions

The New Prague City Council unanimously approved two planning items on the agenda: an interim use permit to allow a small aesthetician/spa in a portion of the former mill and a variance allowing MVE Biological Solutions to widen a commercial driveway and place directional signage closer than 10 feet to the property line.

Ken, who presented both items, said the interim use permit (Resolution 25-06-16-2) would allow a 473-square-foot aesthetician business within an existing office portion of the mill at 100 Second Avenue SW; the planning commission recommended approval 4-0. Staff said the permit is contingent on obtaining required building and occupancy permits. The council approved the resolution on a 5-0 vote.

On the MVE application (25-06-16-3), staff described a long-standing access issue: truck combinations backing into the loading dock occasionally ran over a neighboring lawn. The requested alterations include widening the driveway by 15 feet on the north side of the curb cut and allowing directional signage less than 10 feet from the property line to instruct drivers where to begin backup maneuvers. MVE's representative, Jason Madson, told the council the company had contacted the adjacent homeowner and hoped the measures would reduce damage. The council approved the variance 5-0.

Council members asked about parking adequacy and whether cumulative tenant uses would meet parking requirements; staff said the mill currently has an excess of roughly 10 parking spaces after accounting for existing tenants and allowed interim uses.

Next steps: applicants must obtain required building and occupancy permits and implement the driveway and signage per the conditions in the resolutions.