Commission recommends rezoning to allow escape‑room business in former childcare building

The Bridal Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of rezoning case RZ26‑27, a request to change a 0.38‑acre property from Office District C‑1 to Retail District C‑2 so the existing building can operate an indoor commercial amusement business (an escape room).

Staff planner Mikaela Dickinson said the building previously housed a childcare center and has sufficient parking, including five spaces at the rear and a shared parking agreement with the adjacent property. "We find that the request is consistent with the land use recommendations of the city's comprehensive plan and with the health and wellness area plan," Dickinson said. She noted 15 public notices were mailed and staff received one phone call from an adjacent neighbor raising parking access concerns if the rear fence were removed.

Commissioners discussed how parking and change‑of‑use inspections are handled; Dickinson explained that the change‑of‑owner/use/tenant process through BTU and building inspections evaluates parking and code compliance. After no public speakers, a commissioner moved to recommend approval and the commission voted unanimously to forward the staff report to Bryan City Council.