Portage Planning Commission Meeting: Special Land Use Permit for Self-Defense School, June 4, 2026

The Portage Planning Commission met on June 4, 2026, to consider a special land use permit for a self-defense school and retail business at 8135 Cox Drive, Suite 207. The applicant, Levi Stace of the Guardian Training Academy, proposed offering life-saving classes (CPR, first aid, self-defense, concealed pistol license) and retail sales of clothing, gear, firearms, and ammunition, with no discharge of firearms on site. After public hearing and discussion, the commission approved the permit with modified conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Excused absent commissioners (Chairman Corradini and Commissioner Casisto) unanimously.
• Approved the minutes of May 7, 2026, unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Calakiva (1019 E Center) asked about the building's fire suppression system, noting the potential hazard of gunpowder and ammunition. Staff indicated they would confirm with the fire department.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation (Eric Felt): Described the proposal as a special land use permit for a self-defense school with accessory retail. Noted the site is in an I-1 Light Industrial zone, former Portage Hershey Elementary School. The primary use is classes (anticipated 12 participants per class); secondary retail includes clothing, gear, firearms, and ammunition. No firearms discharge on site. Applicant holds a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Staff recommended approval with conditions: (1) on-site retail limited to on-site class enrollees, (2) if selling firearms/ammunition, applicant must submit ATF compliance plan and ATF approval to sell from site. No public comments received before meeting.
• Applicant (Levi Stace): Confirmed primary focus on training, with retail as secondary. All firearms training/discharge occurs off-site. He intends to transfer his FFL to the new location. He emphasized low traffic and appointment-based retail.
• Commissioner Questions and Discussion:
  • Commissioner Baldwin raised concerns about Condition 1 limiting FFL activities (online sales, transfers) to enrollees only, arguing it would hinder legitimate business operations. He suggested adding "and others by appointment only."
  • Commissioner Baldwin noted ATF does not require secure storage; only recommends it. He questioned fire code requirements for ammunition storage and proposed striking "ammunition" from Condition 2.
  • Commissioner Urban asked about building occupancy and monitoring of purchases; staff explained enrollee rosters could verify.
  • Discussion on additional security: applicant stated he would store firearms in a safe and install cameras.
  • Staff recommended a third condition: "Discharge of firearms is prohibited at the subject site."
  • The chief development officer suggested adding "and others by appointment only" to Condition 1.
• Public Hearing: Opened and closed without additional public testimony beyond Mr. Calakiva's question.

Key Outcomes

• Motion (by Commissioner Baldwin): Approved the special land use permit for a self-defense school at 8135 Cox Drive, Suite 207, with the following conditions:
  1. On-site retail shall be limited to on-site class enrollees and others by appointment only.
  2. If and when the applicant wishes to sell firearms at the site, the applicant shall submit a plan showing compliance with ATF's required securing method and ATF approval to sell from the site. (Ammunition removed from condition.)
  3. Discharge of firearms is prohibited at the subject site.
• Vote: 7-0 (Commissioners Urban, Adams, Cop, Orwig, Miller, Crowell, and Vice Chair Baldwin all voted yes). Motion passed.
• The meeting also included a statement of citizens welcoming new commissioners (Dennis, Brendan, and Urban) and a brief announcement of the next meeting scheduled for June 18, 2026.