Linn County tables permit for faith-based men’s program after neighbors voice safety, zoning concerns

The Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to table consideration of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 25-02, a proposal from Making Disciples Inc. to operate an eight‑month faith‑based residential program called Livingstone’s Lodge for men aged 18–25.

The item was tabled after the applicant outlined the program and neighbors raised repeated safety, trespass and infrastructure concerns, and staff advised the commission that the required planning staff report was not available. Chairwoman Elizabeth Staten announced the item would be taken up again at the commission’s next meeting, and commissioners moved to table the CUP until that meeting in March.

Ryan Waxock, founder and executive director of Making Disciples Inc., told the commission Livingstone’s Lodge would be a faith‑based nonprofit program designed to “help young men 18 to 25 years old find their identity and purpose through an 8 month long wilderness discipleship” model. Waxock said the program would follow a graduated three‑phase model: about one month camping, four months in a bunkhouse/workshop doing practical skills and agricultural work, and roughly three months in a main residence preparing…