The Bloomington Planning Commission on May 22 recommended approval of a privately initiated code amendment to allow health clubs as a permitted use in the CS-1 Commercial Services zoning district.

The amendment would enable a proposed jujitsu academy to operate at 6156 square feet of a building north of Interstate 494 and east of Highway 100. The facility would require 25 parking spots under city requirements and has 42 available on site.

Planning staff supported the amendment, noting health clubs align with the CS-1 district's intent to provide services near freeway interchanges. The district currently permits automotive services, food, lodging and motor vehicle fuel as principal uses.

"Staff feels that health club is interrelated to the listed uses permitted in this district," said city planner Emily Peck. Health clubs are already permitted in most other commercial districts throughout Bloomington.

The commission also conducted a lengthy study session on airport parking policy, reviewing options ranging from prohibiting remote airport parking to allowing it as a permitted use. Two existing facilities - Parking Go and Parking Fly - have operated in the South Loop District for over 30 years under temporary permits.

Staff recommended a middle-ground approach allowing existing facilities to operate permanently under conditional use permits with performance standards, while limiting new facilities to existing parking structures. The moratorium on airport parking enforcement expires October 10, with the issue scheduled for City Council review June 16.