Zoning Administrator approves Strength Monterey expansion at 731 Munris Avenue with limits on hours and amplified sound

Zoning Administrator Levi Hill approved Use Permit UP260074 on June 18, 2026, permitting Strength Monterey to expand into an adjacent tenant space at 731 Munris Avenue with conditions on hours, noise and occupancy.

Senior Associate Planner Matthew Bugger summarized the project and staff recommendation: the site is a one‑story multi‑tenant building near downtown between Monris/Munris Avenue and Abrego Street. The proposal would combine tenant spaces to expand the gym "Strength Monterey," with proposed operating hours from 6:00 a.m. to midnight and amplified background music limited to specified tenant spaces. Bugger told the administrator that the shared parking agreement for the multi‑tenant property supplies up to 141.7 spaces while the expanded use would require 129.2 spaces.

Bugger listed recommended conditions including a 65 dB maximum for amplified sound, the stated hours of operation, and occupancy limits to be set by the building division and fire department. "The noise limit would be 65 dB," Bugger said during the presentation.

Valerie Valdez, the owner of Strength Monterey, addressed the meeting from the podium and said the gym plays music at very low volume: "it is not at all at a high decibel and ... should not be a problem," Valdez said. Following staff report and applicant comment, ZA Hill found the project consistent with the zoning ordinance and commercial general plan designation and approved UP260074 with the attached conditions.

The record notes that prior uses at the site included a yoga studio and other permitted activities; staff confirmed similar prior permits existed. Hill reminded those present that zoning administrator decisions are appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days.

Key technical details captured in the record: proposed hours 6:00 a.m.–midnight; allowed amplified background music in specified tenant spaces with a 65 dB noise cap; anticipated 4–5 on‑site staff/trainers; and a shared parking agreement covering projected parking demand.