Consider Request for an Amended Conditional Use Permit for an Expansion of a Religious Institution at 6341 167th Avenue NW; Case of Pathways Community Church

Pathways Community Church has applied for a conditional use permit to expand their facility with the addition of a 1,344 square foot accessory building at the property located at 6341 167th Ave NW (the "Subject Property"). In the R-1 Residential zoning district, religious institutions are permitted with the issuance of a conditional use permit. In 1983, a conditional use permit was granted for the establishment of a church on the Subject Property. In 1995, a conditional use permit was issued for an expansion of the facility.

Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 350 feet of the Public Hearing. A Public Notice was also advertised in the Official City Newsletter.

The Subject Property is approximately 11.6 acres in size and is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing). Pathways Community Church is seeking approval to construct a 1,344 square foot accessory building for additional storage space. The proposed building would be located north of the existing parking lot and west of the principal building. A small detached accessory building (12' x 16') had been in this general vicinity but has been removed to accommodate the location of the new accessory building. Aside from a parsonage (approved by conditional use permit in 1992) and the church, there are no other buildings on the Subject Property.

The accessory building will be connected to the principal building via an enclosed walkway. Therefore, the wall area of the principal building will need to be slightly modified at this connection point to comply with Building Code requirements (will be addressed through the Building Permit process). The exterior of the accessory building will have horizontal hardboard lap siding painted to blend with the principal building. Additionally, the accessory building will include soffit, fascia, and eave overhangs to match the principal building.

The overhead door will face west, toward the driveway leading to the parsonage in the rear of the property. There will be a driveway extension that connects the accessory building to the existing driveway.

The proposed expansion is for storage space only and therefore does not require any additional parking spaces.

The Planning Commission conducted a Public Hearing at their August 1, 2013 regular meeting and there were no written or verbal comments received.

Alternatives:

Option 1: Approve the request for an amended conditional use permit. Staff supports this option as the addition of an accessory building complies with all required setbacks as well as the accessory building standards (square footage allowed, number of buildings, exterior finish, height) within City Code.

Option 2: Deny the request. There does not appear to be any reason not to support this request.

The Planning Commission recommends approval of the request for an amended conditional use permit contingent upon compliance with the Staff Report dated July 26, 2013.

All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.

Motion to adopt Resolution #13-08-127 adopting Findings of Fact #0916 relating to the applicant's request for an amended conditional use permit;

-and-

Motion to adopt Resolution #13-08-128 approving an amended conditional use permit for an expansion of a religious institution based on Findings of Fact #0916 and contingent upon compliance with the Staff Report dated July 26, 2013.