Staff seeks narrow text change to allow limited outdoor recreation in light industrial zones by conditional use
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Summary
Planning staff proposed a zoning text amendment to permit small accessory outdoor recreation fields in light industrial districts by conditional-use permit, limited to 25% of lot area or 2,500 square feet and up to two years; the Planning Commission recommended approval 7–0.
Staff briefed council on a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow a limited form of outdoor recreational use in light industrial zoning districts by conditional use permit. Bobby Tahan said the change responds to a property owner request for a small recreational field on a portion of a light-industrial lot in Chelsea but would apply citywide to light industrial zones.
Under the proposed text amendment, outdoor recreation would be limited so it would not occupy more than 25% of the lot area, would not disturb more than 2,500 square feet of land, and would be permitted only by conditional use permit for a period limited to two years. Tahan said indoor recreation is already allowed in light industrial districts and that staff and economic development raised concerns about potential conflicts between outdoor recreation and industrial operations, prompting the tight limits.
Tahan said the Planning Commission recommended approval 7–0, and staff framed the proposal as a narrowly tailored “accessory” allowance intended to preserve long-term industrial viability while granting temporary flexibility for small-scale recreation uses. No council action was taken at the work session.