Planning Commission approves Cedars Church sanctuary expansion, design review

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the conditional use permit and a design review for Cedars Church at 38325 Cedar Boulevard, allowing a 991-square-foot sanctuary addition that would increase the sanctuary to about 4,503 square feet and raise seating capacity from 208 to 258.

Planner Yvonne Winn told the commission the project, proposed by contractor TJ Construction and owned by Cedars Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, would also add a 748-square-foot lobby and a 352-square-foot entry porch, repave and re-stripe the parking lot (removing a sports court) and increase on-site parking from 134 to 159 spaces. Staff concluded the project exceeds the minimum parking required under Newark Municipal Code Chapter 17.23 and satisfies Condition EE of Resolution 11-03. The staff report recommended adoption of a draft resolution approving the use-permit amendment and design review; staff also determined the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

During questions, staff said public hearing notices were mailed to properties within a 503-foot radius and no written objections had been received. A contractor from the public, Billy Jowers, spoke to construction mitigation, saying his firm would take measures to control dust and protect neighboring properties during work. The applicant confirmed acceptance of the conditions of approval. With no substantive public opposition, the commission voted to recommend approval of the entitlements.

The commission's action was a recommendation to adopt the measures described in the staff resolution and to proceed under the findings set out in the staff report. The approval clears the way for the project to move forward under the conditions and standards described in the draft resolution.