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Planning commission approves Mill Valley Gymnastics at 7 Locust with extended hours
Summary
The Mill Valley Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Mill Valley Gymnastics to occupy a 1,700 sq ft tenant space at 7 Locust Avenue, allowing expanded hours (8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on occasion). The commission noted noise and circulation concerns and explained appeal rights.
The Mill Valley Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for Mill Valley Gymnastics at 7 Locust Avenue, allowing the owner to operate a children's studio in an approximately 1,700-square-foot tenant space.
Michelle Johnson, associate planner, told the commission the proposal is consistent with the Mill Valley General Plan and zoning, does not trigger off-street parking requirements because the space is under the 5,000-square-foot threshold, and is recommended for approval under a categorical CEQA exemption (Section 15301). "The proposed Mill Valley Gymnastics project . . . satisfies the required findings for approval of a conditional use permit," Johnson said. Owner Ella Kenny said the studio would offer hour-long classes, camps and special events for ages 1.5 to 13, with an initial schedule of about 15 classes per week and a maximum of eight students per class. "We've had over 70 students already enroll," Kenny said. "Safety is of the utmost importance, and if neighbors raise concerns we will address them."
Commissioners questioned whether music or other sounds would disturb the upstairs residential units; the applicant said she does not use music during classes and has reached out to neighbors with an offer to address problems promptly. Commissioners discussed allowing flexibility in hours; the approved motion permits regular operating hours beginning at 8 a.m. with occasional evening events that may run later. Chair Ernest Sarangel explained appeal procedures after the vote: decisions may be appealed to the City Council within 10 calendar days with an appeal fee currently noted as $1,112. The commission's vote followed deliberation approving conditions in Exhibits A and B as recommended by staff.
The permit allows the business to proceed with required building permits and a business license; staff said code enforcement and the municipal noise ordinance remain available to neighbors if problems arise.
