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Consider public testimony regarding, and an ordinance amending Zoning and Development Code, Chapter 1, Article III, Section 1-50 and Chapter 2, Article IV, Section 2-48, Code of Ordinances (2018 Edition), regarding Sports Training Facilities/Specialty Gyms. (First Reading)*
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Sports training facilities and specialty gyms are facilities which typically utilize space located within industrial parks which have high ceilings which provide for activities such as gymnastics, rock climbing and baseball training. The code currently allows these facilities to locate in the LI (Light Industrial) zoning district subject to the approval of a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). This provision was added in 2011 and two approvals have since been granted by the ZBA. Neither of these had any issues of concern. It therefore appears that the operators of these facilities are working effectively with the industrial park owners to find appropriate spaces, making ZBA review unnecessary.
The code amendment proposes to remove the requirement for ZBA review and makes sports training facilities and specialty gyms a permitted use in the LI (Light Industrial) zoning district. In addition, the definition for this use is amended to clarify that the facility is to be wholly enclosed within a building, to provide more examples of the use, and to exclude indoor entertainment activities.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and voted 9-0 to recommend approval of this code amendment at their meeting on January 12, 2022. There were no speakers at the public hearing.