Commissioners: No Boot Camps Outside

Citing noise and lighting concerns, the city Planning Commission rejected Wednesday a request from a local yoga center next to homes to expand outdoor operations in San Juan Capistrano.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to deny an application from the  off of Camino Las Ramblas that would have amended its permit to allow outside activities, such as fitness boot camps, group yoga and weight training on the camp's land.

The business has been the center of recent criticism from nearby residents, who say that the camp brings in loud music, bright lights at night, litter and an influx of vehicles on neighborhood streets.

Owners counter that the business has followed city rules and that it is good for the neighborhood, promoting health and exercise to locals.

“Noise levels have been monitored,” said Robert Trette, who co-owns the business with his wife, Debbie. “My son, Billy (who manages the center), does own a home in the same neighborhood. We have monitored the noise to make sure that it isn’t at a level that would disturb our neighbors.”

But seven residents spoke to the Planning Commission, all of them against the request at the Tuesday meeting.

Mark McCloskey, who lives near the center, said that the business owners are not responsive to the residents’ concerns, citing a loud soccer practice the very night before the meeting.

“The Training Camp advertises itself as a peaceful and serene wellness center. It is anything but,” McCloskey said. “It is a problem that has gone on too long.”

In addition to noise and lighting concerns, commissioners said the business was not adhering to the idea of “passive use” of the outdoor land, which, according to staff, is what the city intended when it gave the game its permit in 2002.

“I don’t want to deny the applicant the ability to enjoy and use the property,” said Commissioner Sheldon Cohen, before the vote. "But clearly the outdoor noise, the outdoor lighting, to me, is inconsistent with passive use.”

Cohen added: “I would think that the applicant needs to revisit the business plan, and try to figure out what is truly a passive use for the program.”

After the commissioner’s decision, both sides weighed in.

“I think the ruling was just and the way it should be,” said resident Thomas Charles, who opposed the permit amendment. “They’re (the Training Camp) not staying true to what they're supposed to be doing.”

In contrast, Billy Trette, Robert Trette’s son and manager of the facility, called the decision bad all the way around.

"I think it’s going to affect the community and our members,” Billy Trette said, adding “I think we would consider legal action.”

The business has 15 days to appeal the decision.

New church coming in

At the same meeting, the Planning Commission also approved a church’s plan to move into the Capistrano Business Center.

The unanimous vote gave the Capistrano Community Church the green light to use a 3,598-square-foot suite at 27121 Calle Arroyo Suite #2200 for their weekly services.

The 80-member church currentlly worships at  in Aliso Viejo, and its office is at 27121 Aliso Creek Road No. 116 in Aliso Viejo.

Pastor Rich Anderson said that he’s “incredibly happy” with the commission's decision, allowing the church, which was founded 11 years ago in San Juan, to return home.

“It’s really great to be back in San Juan Capistrano,” Anderson said.

According to city staff, Tte church is not the first religious organization in the Capistrano Business Center. In 1991, the council approved a conditional use permit for The Life Church to operate in an 8,500-square foot facility at 27129 Calle Arroyo.

— The next Planning Commission meeting will take place 6:30 p.m. May 22 at 32400 Paseo Adelante in Council Chambers.