Tracy planning commission approves modular classroom and cold storage at New Creation Bible Fellowship

The Tracy Planning Commission voted unanimously April 23 to approve a development review permit (D24-0027) and a conditional use permit (CUP24-0013) allowing a modular classroom and a cold storage unit at 500 North Corral Hollow Road, the property of New Creation Bible Fellowship.

Staff told the commission the site is zoned Low Density Residential (LDR), where church and school uses are conditionally permitted, and that each new addition to the site requires a separate development review permit and CUP. Staff recommended approval and said the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines §15332 for infill development.

Pastor Kevin James of New Creation Bible Fellowship described the congregation’s community service work and the need for added space. “We provide services for financial assistance, food, emergency situations,” James said, adding the church partners with the Tracy Unified School District and provides grocery boxes to a named elementary school. He told the commission the cold storage unit was installed during the pandemic to store food for distribution and has continued in use for the church’s food program, called 5 Loaves and 2 Fish.

Staff’s presentation and the application materials show the proposed modular building will be used as a classroom for younger church members and that the cold storage unit will be located behind the existing church building. Staff said the building elevations and colors are intended to match existing structures and that the applicant is KK Concrete and Construction; the property owner is New Creation Bible Fellowship. Because the cold storage unit was already on site, staff said the applicant was notified that the unit must be included in the current permits.

Commissioners asked about safety and accessibility. Pastor James said the cold storage has an interior push-button release and an interior light: “If someone’s in there and closed, there’s a push button,” he said. Staff emphasized that compliance with the California Building Code and fire code, plus accessibility requirements, will be checked during the building permit and inspection process. On-site screening of the cold storage and relocation of a shed are listed as conditions in the permit package.

The motion to approve the development review permit, the conditional use permit, and the CEQA exemption passed on a roll-call vote with five yes votes and no dissent.

Implementation steps noted by staff: if the commission’s approvals stand, the applicant will apply for building permits and then proceed to inspections for code compliance. The record does not specify construction start dates or funding sources beyond testimony that the cold storage was installed during pandemic-era government funding.

Votes at a glance: - Development review permit D24-0027 (installation of modular classroom, cold storage unit, and related site improvements at 500 North Corral Hollow Road): Approved, vote 5-0 (Boce Boateng: yes; English: yes; Atwal: yes; Penning: yes; Orcutt (Chair): yes). Mover/second not specified in the transcript. - Conditional use permit CUP24-0013 (expand school use to include modular classroom and cold storage unit): Approved, vote 5-0 (same tally). - CEQA determination: Project found categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15332 (infill development): Approved, vote 5-0.

Staff contact and next steps listed in the staff report: applicant to apply for building permits; building and fire inspections will determine final code and ADA compliance.