Planning commission approves YMCAs request for 24-hour member access at Southwood Drive

The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit allowing the YMCA at 1020 Southwood Drive to operate 24 hours a day for members.

Assistant Planner Valerie Patino presented staffs recommendation that the commission "adopt a resolution approving the conditional use permit based on findings and subject to the conditions of approval." Patino told the commission the proposal would not add floor area or increase daytime intensity but would extend after-hours access under a new CUP; staff also concluded the proposal is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 1 (Section 15301) for existing facilities.

Douglas Treywick, executive director of the San Luis Obispo County YMCA, said the proposal would expand access for people with nontraditional schedules and described safety measures intended for unstaffed hours: "Outside of the existing operating hours, no staff would be present, and access would be controlled by key fob entry," he said, adding that cameras, emergency call buttons and morning staff review of camera footage are part of the plan. Treywick also said the YMCAs member survey found 74% of respondents expressed interest in 24-hour access; the number of survey respondents was not specified in the presentation.

Treywick and commissioners detailed operational limits for after-hours access: only the first-floor fitness areas, cardio rooms and restrooms would be available; weight rooms with barbells, locker rooms and childcare areas would be closed. He said gates would be installed to block stairways to the second floor and existing doors with locks would secure other restricted rooms.

Public comment included support from Ron Ulson, who identified himself as a San Luis Obispo resident and a member of the Channel Islands YMCA board of directors. Ulson urged approval and said the associations other 24-hour branches have operated with few reported incidents.

A commissioner moved to approve the CUP "as outlined by city" and another commissioner seconded. After brief discussion, Deputy City Clerk Sarah Armas called the roll; Commissioners Munus Morris, Kohley, Flores, Vice Chair Tolley and Chair Dave Hton voted yes and the motion passed 5-0. The transcript did not record the names of the individual mover and seconder for the motion.

The staff packet noted the sites existing parking supply is 35 spaces; staff said the proposal does not increase parking demand under current code and no additional parking was required. Conditions of approval recorded in the staff recommendation limit after-hours access to members over age 18 and require the security measures described by the applicant.

Deputy Community Development Director Tyler Corey told the commission that the May 27 meeting is likely to be canceled because no items are currently scheduled. The commission adjourned after the announcement.

What happens next: the CUP takes effect per the standard local implementation process and the approved conditions; any formal appeals or legal challenges would be governed by city code and the usual timelines for such actions.