Planning commission approves Fit Kids Gymnastics Center conditional use permit to relocate to West Bay Business Park

The Redondo Beach Planning Commission on June 18 approved an exemption declaration and a conditional use permit allowing Fit Kids Gymnastics Center to relocate into an 18,168-square-foot industrial suite at 2605 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in the West Bay Business Park.

Senior Planner John Ciampa told commissioners the move represents an expansion of an existing local business. The applicant is seeking permission to operate a gymnastics and youth fitness facility for children and teenagers aged 2–18; staff recommended approval after assessing land‑use compatibility, parking and noise impacts. Ciampa said the park contains 322 parking spaces overall, the property’s development applied a ratio of 1 space per 375 sq ft, and roughly 48 spaces would be allocated to the Fit Kids suite based on its size. During typical weekday business hours staff estimated the use would need about 40 spaces and at maximum evening/weekend enrollment the facility could require up to 60 spaces. Staff reported field survey photos (taken May 31) that showed low occupancy in the center during sampled weekend times.

The staff report noted proposed business hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day; commissioners asked for clarifications after staff indicated an earlier draft of the packet listed some closing times at 8 p.m. Ciampa confirmed the correct proposed hours are 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. Commission questions also prompted staff to correct a square‑footage error in the packet and to say a condition requiring onsite fencing prior to tenant improvements could be removed because no tenant improvements were initially proposed.

Applicant Chris Olsen, sworn for testimony, described Fit Kids as a long‑running local operation and said the center has been in business for 22 years. "We are very picky," Olsen said, describing the program’s hiring practices and safety emphasis: the business is a member of USA Gymnastics and uses the organization’s background‑check services for adult employees; the center often hires former students and said it has had no incidents in its history. Olsen also told the commission the business has served thousands of children over its history and is seeking more space to expand programming.

A longtime Redondo Beach resident, Evelyn Gomez, spoke in support of the permit, saying both of her children had attended Fit Kids and urging commissioners to approve the application as a community benefit.

A commissioner moved to adopt the planning commission resolution approving the exemption declaration and the conditional use permit (case no. 20260288); the motion was seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote. Commissioners Light, Boswell, Gattis, Conroy, Hazeltine and Chairperson Craig voted yes. The chair welcomed the applicant to the new location.

Following the vote, staff provided a brief update that the City Council will begin hearings in July on general plan element updates, including the land use element, and that the Article 27 analysis is posted on the city website. The commission adjourned.