The property owner of the building located at 2940 Grand Avenue is requesting a variance from Section 6-1203(j) of the City Code for the number of parking stalls required for a fitness center.  This building will be going through a change in use from a pottery shop to a cross fit gym.  The parking requirements for a gym would require 12 parking stalls.  However, this is based on national averages for a typical type of fitness center.  As explained in a letter from the new tenants, cross fit gyms do not have the traffic of an average gym.  They have one or two clients at a time.  The site can fit 8 parking stalls and they would need a variance for the remaining 4 required stalls.  Due to the unique nature of a cross fit gym, Staff is recommending approval of a variance.  Any other use would require further review of the site.

The Council may:

• Approve the variance allowing a cross fit gym at 2940 Grand Avenue; or
• Do not approve the variance.  The property owner would then have to find additional parking for this use.

There is no significant financial impact to the City for this variance.

Staff recommends Council approve a parking variance for the property at 2940 Grand Avenue for a cross fit gym.