Zoning permit granted for Bamboo Bodyworks at 4915 Monona Drive

The municipal body approved a zoning permit for Bamboo Bodyworks to operate at 4915 Monona Drive, Suite 205.

Applicant Christina Pekman introduced herself as a licensed massage therapist, registered yoga teacher and certified personal trainer and described the leased space as about 600 square feet with room for yoga, personal training and a massage area. "I am the only employee through the space and I would see one to five clients per day," Pekman said. She said the space requires no structural modifications and that an accessible restroom is available outside the unit.

Todd Gindra, who identified himself as one of the building owners, joined online and answered questions about the property. Planning staff said the use aligns with retail zoning; staff reported the space is approximately 600 sq ft and calculated that the code parking standard (one stall per 300 sq ft) would require two stalls. Staff also noted that the business had been operating while the applicant coordinated licensing with the city clerk.

A council member raised safety and circulation concerns at the center’s driveway near a McDonald's and suggested adding visual or physical barriers; the owner said changing the grade on the neighboring property is not possible but agreed to consider bumper blocks or signage within his own property to reduce confusion. "We're going to take some steps to try and provide identification to people," the owner said.

A motion to approve the Bamboo Bodyworks permit with the conditions listed in the staff report was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The permit remains subject to the usual licensing steps handled by the city clerk’s office.

Next steps: the applicant will complete the massage-establishment licensing process and the building owner will pursue agreed measures (signage or bumper blocks) to reduce driveway confusion.