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City to hold public hearing on proposed height increase for fitness centers
Summary
A private applicant asked the commission to raise the height limit for indoor commercial recreation from 50 to 65 feet in commercial zones with a 35% area cap; the commission voted to set the item for a public hearing in July.
The Providence Planning Commission voted to schedule a public hearing on a proposed code amendment that would raise the maximum allowable height for indoor commercial recreation and fitness centers from 50 feet to 65 feet in specified commercial zones.
Applicant Thor Cummings told the commission he seeks a uniform standard that would apply in both the commercial highway and commercial general districts. He proposed limiting the taller portion so that no more than 35% of a building’s total area would exceed the current 50‑foot maximum, an intent he described as a way to avoid large, monolithic structures. “One, it has to be a commercial recreation facility and it can’t be more than 35% of the total,” Cummings said.
Staff explained the difference between commercial highway (sales‑tax oriented) and commercial general (includes professional offices and other uses) and noted the city currently does not have buildings that exceed 50 feet for those uses. The fire marshal’s office had no objection to a 65‑foot limit for suppression apparatus reasons, staff said.
Commissioner Joe Chambers moved to set the item for public hearing; the motion was seconded and approved. The hearing will be scheduled for the commission’s July meeting so the public can comment on detailed language and location‑specific implications before any recommendation is forwarded to the City Council.
