Planning commissioners consider ‘escape room’ business

A new form of recreation could be coming to downtown Carson City depending on the decision of planning commissioners Wednesday.

At their regular meeting, which begins at 5 p.m. in the community center, planning commissioners will consider a special use permit for “escape rooms” proposed for an existing building at 716 N. Carson St.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an escape room as “a game in which participants confined to a room or other enclosed setting (such as a prison cell) are given a set amount of time to find a way to escape (as by discovering hidden clues and solving a series of riddles or puzzles).”

According to agenda materials, Jennifer Smith of Escape 36 LLC is proposing to establish the use for up to three rooms in the same building that currently houses Visit Carson City and other tenants. The property, zoned downtown mixed-use (DT-MU), is known as Carson City Square.

A staff report states that when city code does not specify a proposed use, the Community Development director makes a determination “based on the purpose statement of the zoning district.”

“The director has determined the proposed use to be closely related to an amusement arcade use which is a conditional use in DT-MU use district (CCMC 18.04.125) and must receive approval of a SUP prior to establishing,” reads the report.

According to Smith’s application, two of the rooms could accommodate up to 10 guests each, and one room up to six guests. Each room would have one employee present, and bookings would be by appointment.

In the findings section of the application, the business owner maintained the new use would be consistent with the Carson City Master Plan.

“The vision in the Master Plan states in part that Carson City is a city which takes great pride in its role as Nevada’s state capital and strives to offer its residents a balanced community with a diverse range of housing, employment, educational, shopping and recreational activities,” reads the application. “The addition of Escape 36 to Carson City Square brings a new recreational opportunity to both tourists and residents of Carson City that can be enjoyed during all seasons.”

Besides approval of board minutes, the escape-room proposal is the only action item scheduled for Wednesday’s meeting. Community Development Director Hope Sullivan is also scheduled to give a presentation on the city’s planning division and processes.