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Planning Commission OKs 1,263‑square‑foot addition to West 21st Street religious facility
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing a 1,263‑square‑foot expansion to a long‑standing San Bernardino church that will enlarge a dining hall and add two ADA restrooms; staff said required parking already exceeds code minimums.
The San Bernardino Planning Commission on a unanimous vote approved a conditional use permit to allow a 1,263‑square‑foot addition to an existing religious facility at 1424 West 21st Street.
Staff presented the proposal as an expansion of the church’s kitchen and dining area and the addition of two ADA‑compliant restrooms. Angeline Mendoza, a planner with the Community Development Department, told commissioners the existing building has a 5,073‑square‑foot sanctuary and that the parcel is about 0.161 acre in the Residential Suburban zone. "The proposed scope of work will consist again of a 1,263 square foot addition to an existing religious facility for the expansion of the existing dining hall and the addition of 2 restrooms," Mendoza said.
The nut of the project is modest: the church will expand food service and add restrooms to support existing activities such as Sunday services and occasional weekday Bible study. Staff told commissioners the site is required to provide 19 parking spaces under development standards and currently provides 27 spaces, including two ADA stalls.
Pastor Willie Wilson, representing the applicant Greater New Jersey Building, said the congregation numbers fewer than 100 people and described the work as an upgrade that will let the church continue community activities such as food giveaways. "We're trying to improve on what we already have," Pastor Wilson said.
After closing the public hearing, the commission voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑021, finding the project exempt under CEQA section 15301 and approving Conditional Use Permit 22‑17 subject to standard conditions. The motion passed unanimously with Chair Sherrick, Vice Chair Quill, and Commissioners Lopez, Ivan Garcia, Galante, Pratt, Carloni, and Orlando Garcia voting yes.
The commission’s approval allows the applicant to proceed to permit reviews required by building and engineering; no additional approvals were reported from other agencies in the hearing.
Planning staff and the applicant said they are available for follow‑up during plan check and permit review.
