DRC_STAFF REPORT_PURE BALANCE PILATES_011326.DOCX

PL250362 – PURE BALANCE PILATES 
Page 1
January 13, 2026
STAFF REPORT
PURE BALANCE PILATES (PL250362)
PROJECT DATA
Project Address
8100 South Priest Drive, Suites 104 & 106
Property Owner
Electric Jellyfish Properties, LLC
Applicant
Mitch Ressler, K&I Architects and Interiors
Zoning District
GID (General Industrial District)
Gross / Net Site Area
2.38 acres
Total Building Area
13,023 s.f.
Building Height
26’ (65’ maximum allowed)
Lot Coverage
16.7% (no maximum)
Landscape Area
10% (10% minimum required)
Building Setbacks
97’-8”’ front, 35’-6” north side, 60’-3” south side, 65’-3” rear 
(25’, 0’, 0’, 0’ min.)
Vehicle Parking
104 spaces (142 min. required). See Parking Study Analysis 
provided.
Bicycle Parking
12 spaces (11 min. required)
Hours of Operation
6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Daily 
COMMENTS:
This site is located between Priest Drive, Interstate 10, Ruby Drive, and Autoplex Loop, and is located 
within the GID Zoning District and the Southwest Overlay District. This site currently hosts the Priest 
Drive Business Center Condominium, which contains a variety of commercial and office uses. The 
applicant is proposing a new Pilates studio within the existing building, which will encompass Suites 
104 and 106. The business will be divided into three main program areas: Pilates studios, wellness 
suites, and shared support spaces. The Pilates portion of the business will provide one-on-one 
personal sessions, and a larger studio for small groups of up to nine customers. The wellness suites (9 
proposed) are proposed to operate semi-autonomously and leased to independent professionals 
offering similar wellness services (any massage establishments will require a separate Use Permit and 
Massage License). The overall business will provide a shared lobby area, restroom facilities, and an 
employee breakroom. 
Existing entitlements for this property that will remain in effect are: N/A
Existing uses on the site include: office/retail buildings, commercial parking lot.
The applicant is requesting the Development Review Commission take action on
ZUP250103
Use Permit to allow a fitness center within the GID zoning district.
PUBLIC INPUT
As of the writing of this report, no public comment was received. 
USE PERMIT
The proposed use requires a Use Permit to allow a fitness center within the GID zoning and 
Southwest overlay districts. Per the land use table within the Zoning and Development Code, 
“commercial uses” and all other uses that are provided under Table 3-202A proposed within the GID 
zoning district require a Use Permit to be approved (fitness centers, therefore, fall under this category).

PL250362 – PURE BALANCE PILATES 
Page 2
January 13, 2026
Section 6-308(E) Approval criteria for Use Permit (in italics):
1.
Any significant increase in vehicular or pedestrian traffic; the proposed use will not cause a 
significant increase in vehicular or pedestrian traffic outside of levels typical for similar commercial 
uses. All services are by appointment only and small group classes will stagger client visits and 
limit peak activity.
2.
Nuisance arising from the emission of odor, dust, gas, noise, vibration, smoke, heat or glare at a 
level exceeding that of ambient conditions; the proposed use will not produce nuisances arising 
from odor, dust, gas, noise, vibration, smoke, heat, or glare at a level exceeding ambient 
conditions or those seen in typical commercial uses.
3.
Contribution to the deterioration of the neighborhood or to the downgrading of property values, 
which is in conflict with the goals, objectives or policies for rehabilitation, redevelopment or 
conservation as set forth in the city’s adopted plans or General Plan; the proposed use will not 
contribute to the deterioration of the neighborhood or to the downgrading of property values. 
4.
Compatibility with existing surrounding structures and uses; the proposed use is compatible with 
existing surrounding structures and uses. There are currently two comparable fitness centers 
located within 600 feet of the subject site.
5.
Adequate control of disruptive behavior both inside and outside the premises which may create a 
nuisance to the surrounding area or general public; there will be adequate control of disruptive 
behavior both inside and outside the premises. No amplified music will be played or late-night 
activities will occur. 
REASONS FOR APPROVAL:
Based on the information provided by the applicant, the public input received and the above analysis 
staff supports approval of the requested Use Permit. This request meets the required criteria and will 
conform to the conditions.
SHOULD AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BE TAKEN ON THIS REQUEST, THE FOLLOWING 
NUMBERED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL SHALL APPLY, BUT MAY BE AMENDED BY THE 
DECISION-MAKING BODY. 
CONDITION(S) OF APPROVAL: (Non-standard conditions are identified in bold)
EACH NUMBERED ITEM IS A CONDITION OF APPROVAL.  THE DECISION-MAKING BODY MAY MODIFY, DELETE OR 
ADD TO THESE CONDITIONS.  
1.
The Use Permit is valid only after a Building Permit has been obtained, the required inspections 
have been completed and a Final Inspection has been passed. As part of the Building Permit 
process, on-site storm water retention may be required to be verified or accomplished on this Site. 
2.
The Use Permit is valid for the plans as submitted within this application. Any additions or 
modifications may be submitted for review during the building plan check process.
3.
All nonconforming building lighting shall be removed and replaced with compliant light fixtures. 
Details can be resolved during Building Safety Plan Review.
4.
All rear exit doors require a security vision panel. Details to be approved through Building Safety 
Plan Review.
5.
Update the data for parking file for this building prior to the Use Permit becoming effective. Provide 
information within 14 days or by January 27, 2026
CODE/ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS:
THE BULLETED ITEMS REFER TO EXISTING CODE OR ORDINANCES THAT PLANNING STAFF OBSERVES ARE 
PERTINENT TO THIS CASE. THE BULLET ITEMS ARE INCLUDED TO ALERT THE DESIGN TEAM AND ASSIST IN 
OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT AND ARE NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST.

PL250362 – PURE BALANCE PILATES 
Page 3
January 13, 2026
This approval for the Use Permit review did not include a comprehensive evaluation of the site for 
code compliance; the scope of approval is for the Use Permit only. The property owner should be 
aware of all city codes and zoning ordinances applicable to the property including maintenance and 
conformance with the codes. Below is a partial list of references provided to advise the owner of 
pertinent code requirements; this is not an exhaustive list. 
TEMPE CITY CODE: Specific requirements of the Tempe City Code are not listed but apply to any 
application https://library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/city_code 
ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT CODE: Specific requirements of the Zoning and Development Code 
(ZDC) are not listed as a condition of approval but apply to any application.  To avoid unnecessary 
review time and reduce the potential for multiple plan check submittals, become familiar with the 
ZDC.  Access the ZDC through www.tempe.gov/zoning or purchase from Community Development.
BUILDING & FIRE CODES: Any modifications to the buildings involving mechanical, electrical, 
plumbing or structural tenant improvements that would require a building permit must obtain required 
permits.
ENGINEERING CODES: Any site modifications affecting utilities, retention or engineering code 
requirements must obtain required permits.
LIGHTING: Site security lighting shall comply with requirements of ZDC Part 4 Chapter 8 (Lighting) 
and ZDC Appendix E (Photometric Plan). Avoid conflicts between lights and trees or other site 
features in order to maintain illumination levels for exterior lighting. Make sure that light fixtures do not 
create glare and are full-cutoff fixtures. 
https://library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/zoning_and_development_code?nodeId=ZONING_DEV
ELOPMENT_CODE_PT4_DEST_CH8_LI Any changes to lighting would require a minor Development 
Plan Review.
LANDSCAPE: All landscape shall be maintained per the approved landscape plan for the site. 
Property owners are responsible to replace dead or missing plant material and to maintain all parking 
landscape islands, street front trees and ground covers, and perimeter planting materials. 
https://library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/zoning_and_development_code?nodeId=ZONING_DEV
ELOPMENT_CODE_PT4_DEST_CH7_LAWA Any changes to landscape on site would require a 
minor Development Plan Review.
SIGNS: Separate plan review process is required for signs in accordance with requirements of ZDC 
Part 4 Chapter 9 (Signs).   Refer to www.tempe.gov/signs. 
USE PERMIT:

The Use Permit is valid for Pure Balance Pilates and may be transferable to successors in interest 
through an administrative review with the Community Development Director, or designee.

The Use Permit approval shall be void if the use is not commenced or if an application for a 
building permit has not been submitted, whichever is applicable, within twelve (12) months after 
the Use Permit is granted or within the time stipulated by the decision-making body.

If there are any complaints arising from the Use Permit that are verified by a consensus of the 
complaining party and
the City Attorney’s office, the Use Permit will be reviewed by City staff to determine the need for a

PL250362 – PURE BALANCE PILATES 
Page 4
January 13, 2026
public hearing to reevaluate the appropriateness of the Use Permit, which may result in revocation 
of the Use Permit.

Specific requirements of the Zoning and Development Code (ZDC) are not listed as a condition 
of approval but will apply to any application. To avoid unnecessary review time and reduce the 
potential for multiple plan check submittals, become familiar with the ZDC. Access the ZDC 
through http://www.tempe.gov/zoning or purchase from Development Services.

Any intensification or expansion of use shall require a new Use Permit. 

All required permits and clearances shall be obtained from the Audit and Licensing Division of the 
City of Tempe prior to the Use Permit becoming effective. 

All required Federal, State, County, and Municipal permits, licenses, and clearances shall be 
obtained, or the Use Permit is void.

An updated Suite Map shall be provided to the Community Development Department at the 
Building Permit/Tenant Improvement stage. Suites 104 & 106 shall be combined unless otherwise 
required by Building Safety.
POLICE DEPARTMENT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: 

If the development includes a use listed in City Code Section 26-70(c), the Owner is required to 
prepare a security plan with the Police Department. The architect should be involved to verify any 
modification that would require design revisions. To avoid revisions to permitted construction 
documents, initial meetings with the Police Department regarding the security plan are 
recommended before building permits are issued. At a minimum, the Owner shall contact the 
Police Department to begin security plan process approximately eight weeks prior to receipt of 
certificate of occupancy.
HISTORY & FACTS:
March 15, 2000
The Design Review Board approved a site plan and landscape plan for 
AUTOPLEX RETAIL PAVILIONS, located at 8100 South Priest Drive. 
(DRB00043)
ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT CODE REFERENCE:
Section 3-302, Permitted Uses in Office/Industrial Districts
Section 4-204, Development Standards for Office/Industrial Districts
Section 6-308, Use Permit