The Rockwall City Council on Oct. 20 approved a specific-use permit to allow an indoor commercial amusement arcade devoted to claw-machine games at a 100-square-foot suite in The Harbor retail development.

The council's vote on case Z2025-062 was 6-1, with Councilmember Lewis casting the lone dissent. The application was recommended for approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission on Oct. 14 and was presented to council by city planning staff as conforming to conditional land-use standards for the Harbor district.

Hunter Hayes, appearing for Joyful Claw LLC, described the business as "a small format, Claw Arcade" and said the concept complements lakefront dining and family entertainment at The Harbor. Owner Jeff Carter said the ownership will invest about $50,000 in the tenant fit-out. "Our investment in this particular venture is gonna be $50,000," Carter said.

Councilmembers pressed applicants on likely patrons and operations. Councilmember Lewis said he was supportive of more youth activities but voiced concern that "this is gonna be full of middle school students all the time, and there's not gonna be room for little kids." Hayes said typical patrons range from children age 6 up through teenagers and that the operation would sell tokens and display small-prize and larger-prize items. Councilmember Henson moved to approve the SUP; Councilmember Thomas seconded.

Applicants said onsite management will be adult staff. "Adult manager," Hayes said in response to an inquiry about supervision. The applicant also said hours would be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and that the property owner had obtained CentiMark's support; the ownership indicated a $50,000 investment in improvements.

The council's ordinance includes operational conditions and a penalty provision for code violations. The SUP applies only to the specified suite and not to other Harbor tenants. Councilmember Lewis recorded the lone no vote; the council did not add additional conditions beyond those recommended by staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission.