Planning commission approves city’s first indoor batting-cage training facility at 320 East Crowther

The Placentia Planning Commission voted to adopt Resolution PC 2024-13 and approve Use Permit UP2024-06 to allow an indoor batting-cage and baseball training facility at 320 East Crowther. Planning staff said the project would occupy a 12,411-square-foot warehouse and provide seven pitching tunnels, a 9,300-square-foot general training area, restrooms and an office; hours were described as Monday–Friday 3 p.m.–9 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Planner Devin Wells, presenting the staff report, said the proposal was not a permitted use in the M (manufacturing) zone and therefore needed a conditional-use permit. Wells told commissioners the pitching machines “will be age adjustable” and that speeds “will range roughly between 35 and 80 miles per hour” to serve different age groups. Wells also noted the site shows 22 on-site parking spaces and that the city’s transportation manager reviewed and signed off on the plan. The staff recommendation included a finding that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the Class 1 (existing facilities) exemption and the proposed resolution reflected that finding.

Neighbors and commissioners pressed the applicant and staff about parking and circulation. Staff pointed to Condition 7 in the draft approval that allows the director of development services to require a parking and/or circulation study in the future and to require the applicant or operator to pay for any necessary mitigation. Applicant Matthew Cotter, who identified himself as the owner and said the project grew out of closures of nearby facilities, said the business will be appointment-based and that “we definitely don't want to do birthday parties” and will provide first-aid supplies and fire extinguishers.

Fire and life-safety issues came up during questions. Fire Marshal Bridal Horner said the main entrance must remain unlocked while the building is occupied and that panic hardware was not required for the anticipated occupancy. Commissioners were advised the city would require a knock box and master key for emergency access.

Commissioner Palakketti moved to adopt the resolution; the motion passed on roll call with all present voting yes (Commissioners Evans, Ingalls and Silvestri were recorded absent). Chair Perez informed the applicant of a 10-day window to appeal the decision to City Council in writing.