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Commission approves Lunatic Lounge assembly-hall permit with parking and fencing conditions
Summary
The commission granted a conditional use permit for a 30-seat assembly hall at 159 West Center Street (Lunatic Lounge), imposing limits on attendance (max 30), requiring maintenance of an existing east fence and installation of a 6-ft site‑obscuring fence on the south property line to mitigate light and sound. Neighbors had raised parking and late‑night noise concerns; the applicant said events will be modest and no alcohol is planned.
The Midvale City Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for the Lunatic Lounge to operate an assembly hall of up to 30 seats at 159 West Center Street, subject to conditions intended to limit parking impacts and reduce light and sound for adjacent residences.
Planning staff presenter Jonathan said the proposed assembly-hall use fits within the Transit‑Oriented Development (TOD) zone and complies with conditional‑use standards; he advised the commission that 30 seats require six parking spaces and that the site has 21 stalls, with staff recommending limits on maximum attendees. Staff added a condition (not in the original packet) capping events at 30 attendees.
Neighbors attending the meeting expressed concerns about overflow parking, vehicle light intruding on adjacent yards, and noise during evening hours. One neighbor urged a “site‑obscuring” fence to block light and sound and noted a low hedge currently provides limited mitigation.
Applicant Brad Williams described the Lunatic Lounge as an arts-focused social space for poetry, storytelling and instrumental music. Williams said the group is considering a cafe tenant for the first floor, does not currently plan to pursue an alcohol license and expects most events to run in the 3 p.m.–10 p.m. range: “We’re more later in the evening, like 3:00 to like 10:00 type of times ... we're not planning on like playing loud music or anything.”
Commissioners discussed conditions to limit impacts. The motion approved the conditional use permit with staff findings and the additional conditions that a maximum of 30 attendees be permitted at any single event, that a 6‑ft site‑obscuring fence be installed on the south property line, and that the existing east fence be maintained. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote; Chair Edwards, Vice Chair Ludlow, Commissioner Anderson and Commissioner Brokke voted yes.
Staff will work with the applicant on implementation of the fencing condition and ensure the permit conditions are reflected in any future tenant agreements.
