7.5. SR 02-18-1997'ity of
River
ITEM 7.5.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistant
February 18, 1997~/'
Request by Deana Larsen for a
Conditional Use Permit to Operate a
Therapeutic Massage Business
(Waterfall Day Spa), Public Hearing
Case No. CU 96-29
Request
Deana Larsen is requesting a conditional use permit to operate a therapeutic
massage business (Waterfall Day Spa) at 705 Main Street.
Location
The project is located at 705 Main Street, PID # 75-405-0560
Zoning/Land Use
Cl(Central Commercial) / CB(Central Business)
Attachments
· Location map
· Zoning map
· Floor plan
Background
Deana Larsen is requesting a conditional use permit to operate a therapeutic
massage business at 705 Main Street. The building is located next to the
Depot restaurant and use to be occupied by Play it Again Sports. Therapeutic
massage is a conditional use in all the commercial zones as well as a home
occupation. The City Ordinance was amended in December 1993 to establish
therapeutic massage as a conditional use; prior to that it was considered as
an adult oriented business. In addition to being reviewed for a conditional
use permit, therapeutic massage businesses must also receive a therapeutic
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Memo to the Mayor and City Council/CU 96-29 Page 2
February 18, 1997
massage license approved by the City Council. The applicant has been issued
a license to operate at this location; however, it was issued with the
contingency that she applied for and received a conditional use permit. The
license review includes a strict list of requirements including a police
background check and minimal number of hours training. The license must
be renewed yearly and requires an annual fee. Only the City Council reviews
the application for a therapeutic massage license.
The main advantage to going through the conditional use process is that it
gives the residents and surrounding property owners advance notice of what
is being proposed and an opportunity for input. This process also provides an
opportunity to attach special conditions to address unique situations. Most of
the operational aspects of the business will be will be covered through the
licensing application process. The conditional use permit will deal with site
issues if there are any.
Overview
The applicant will be operating the Waterfall Day Spa at 705 Main Street.
The business includes tanning booths, facials, pedicures, and a retail section
along with the therapeutic massage. The applicant is leasing this space until
their permanent location is secured in the Snyder building across the street.
The applicant was forced out of their original location at 657 'Main Street
because of fire damage.
The applicant has I person licensed as a massage therapist. The business
will be open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The applicant has indicated that the majority of her
business is the therapeutic massage and pedicures with seasonal fluctuations
with the tanning booths. During the winter months the tanning booths are
very popular.
The applicant is not proposing any exterior alterations or improvements to
the building except for signage. Parking is provided on street and in the
parking lot at the corner of Jackson and Main streets. They received a sign
permit on January 7, 1997 for a 2' by 8' wall sign.
Planning Commission Meeting
At Planning Commission meeting held on January 28, 1997 there were no
comments from the public at the public hearing. There was some discussion
regarding the applicant operating at 705 Main street for only a couple of
months and would she have to go through the conditional use permit process
s:\planningXscott\cu9629cc.doc
Memo to the Mayor and City Council/CU 96-29 Page 3
February 18, 1997
for the new location across the street; staff indicated that she would because
the conditional use goes with the property and not the applicant.
Recommendation
The Planning Commission and staff recommend that the City Council
approve Deana Larsen's request for a conditional use permit to operate a
business which includes therapeutic massage at 705 Main Street with the
following condition:
The applicant receives approval of a license for therapeutic message
from the City Council.
s:\planningXscottkcu9629cc.doc
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