Examiner accepts Connection Christian Center conditional-use application; staff recommends approval with parking limits

The City of Oak Harbor hearing examiner heard a conditional-use permit application on Oct. 12, 2025, from Connection Christian Center to renovate an existing commercial space for church services (case 2410-0060). Staff recommended approval with conditions limiting services to specified days and requiring use of paved on-site parking; the examiner said a written decision will be issued within 10 business days.

Ray Lisonbee, senior planner, told the examiner the property is zoned C-3 and that a conditional-use permit is required for a church. The applicant proposes up to 80 people for services in an existing commercial complex with shared parking between three buildings. Lisonbee said building and fire officials have inspected the site and that staff’s recommendation includes limiting church services to the paved parking area on site and not permitting overflow use of an adjacent dirt lot. He described the city’s parking standard for churches as one parking space per four seats.

Lieutenant JG Keck, who identified himself as an active-duty Navy officer and pastor of Connection Christian Center, said the center is affiliated with Freedom Outreach International (also called Ministry to the Military) and described the congregation’s outreach work, including a longstanding Thanksgiving event serving military families. “We wanted to provide a church away from home basically, for men, women, and their children to have a homestyle center,” Keck said.

No members of the public signed up to oppose the application; James P. Marrow (speaking as a private citizen and retired chief officer) said he strongly supports the project and that it brings life to the commercial site. The hearing examiner admitted the staff report and exhibits into the record and closed the hearing, saying he expects to issue a written decision within the city’s standard 10-business-day timeframe.

Staff noted practical limits on parking availability and recommended restricting larger services to Wednesdays (evenings) and Sundays, with smaller groups or office use otherwise permitted. All building and fire-code approvals and required building permits remain conditions precedent to occupancy and use.