Planning Commission Approves Site Plan Amendment for Spirit of Christ Church at 749 W. 14 Mile with Conditions

Clawson — The Planning Commission voted June 10 to approve a site plan amendment for Spirit of Christ Church, 749 West 14 Mile, subject to conditions that must be satisfied before a building permit is issued. The motion required the applicant to provide a detailed landscape plan, a detailed lighting plan and to eliminate the use of EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system) within 10 feet of grade.

Planning staff presented the application for a site of just more than 1.1 acres. "The church is 16,000 square feet," the planner said, and staff estimated the sanctuary seating at about 208 seats; the site has a 99‑space parking lot. The project would expand the lobby, add a porte‑cochere over the front driveway and construct an elevator tower to improve accessibility; the roof of the sanctuary will be raised in part of the renovation.

The planner identified several items that must be resolved before permit issuance: a full planting list to show compliance with Section 5.15 (landscaping requirements); a lighting plan for the porte‑cochere and any new exterior fixtures; confirmation that EIFS will not be used within 10 feet of grade; and clarification of the outer wall location and trash‑receptacle arrangements. "We didn't have a full plan with a detailed planting list," staff said, adding that a temporary certificate of final occupancy could be used if plantings must be deferred to the next planting season.

Pastor Joel Brandt, representing Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, said the church expects minimal trash generation and described current trash handling as curb carts. "Couple bags a week, no more than the the residents," Pastor Brandt said when asked about a dumpster. Project architect Roland Day told the commission the team will "go with the city approved landscape material list and then provide a detailed landscape plan" and that the porte‑cochere lighting specifications will be provided.

A commissioner moved to approve the site plan amendment "as presented with the following amendments: no EIFS below 10 foot, they need to supply a landscape plan, and a detailed lighting plan." The motion was supported and carried on a roll call vote of the commissioners recorded as yes.

Staff noted the site has an existing nonconformity where a required wall or fence is not present along some property edges and said the commission retains discretion to require a wall or other mitigation if neighbors object. Staff also confirmed that building permits will not be issued until the outstanding items are addressed.

The approval advances the project to the administrative and permitting stage; staff will verify compliance with the listed conditions before issuing final permits and certificates of occupancy.