City planning staff proposes limited allowance for small outdoor recreation in light-industrial zones

City planning staff presented a proposed zoning text amendment to allow accessory outdoor recreational fields in light industrial zoning districts under a conditional use permit limited in scope and duration. Director of City Planning Bobby Tahan told the council the change responds to a single property owner who wants to use a small portion of an industrial lot for a recreational field. Under the proposal, outdoor recreation would be allowed only where it covered no more than 25 percent of the lot area and disturbed no more than 2,500 square feet; the CUP would be limited to a two-year period. Staff emphasized indoor recreation remains permitted as before; staff and economic-development reviewers opposed broad outdoor recreation in industrial areas because of potential impacts on industrial uses. Why it matters: The amendment would open a narrow, temporary pathway for small recreational uses on industrial properties while retaining protections for future industrial operations. The Planning Commission recommended approval on a 7–0 vote. Details and limits: Tahan said the amendment applies citywide to light industrial zones though the applicant property is in Chelsea. Improvements would be limited to assure the use is temporary and to preserve future industrial use. The council did not take a formal vote during the work session; staff will return the amendment for a future public hearing. Ending: Staff framed the change as a narrowly tailored pilot to allow limited accessory recreation without displacing industrial operations.