Beaumont planning panel approves Calvary Chapel expansion over one dissent

BEAUMONT, Calif. — The Beaumont Planning Commission voted 3-1 on March 11 to approve a conditional use permit that will allow Calvary Chapel Beaumont to expand its campus at 1780 Orchard Heights Avenue with a new sanctuary, multi-purpose and children’s ministry buildings and outdoor amenities.

Katie Jensen, planning staff, told the commission the application (CUP 2023-0074) and environmental review (ENV 2025-0005) cover construction of an 11,000-square-foot sanctuary, a 7,700-square-foot multipurpose building, a 5,000-square-foot children’s ministry center, two sport courts, an outdoor amphitheater and landscaping on a 5.49-acre parcel currently occupied by a 3,300-square-foot building and five portable trailers. The project would add 213 parking spaces. Jensen said staff analyzed the project under CEQA and recommended certification of a mitigated negative declaration and adoption of a mitigation monitoring and reporting program to reduce potential biological, cultural and temporary construction-noise impacts to less-than-significant levels.

The commission questioned the project’s neighborhood impacts, asking about the distance from the proposed sports courts to the nearest residence and about traffic. Jensen and the applicant said the closest residence would be about 113 feet from the courts and that a traffic impact analysis was not required because the project did not meet the city’s traffic thresholds.

Pastor Henry of Calvary Chapel Beaumont, the project applicant, described the amphitheater and baptismal area as intended for church uses and limited baptisms during service hours, not ongoing entertainment. “We love Beaumont,” Pastor Henry said, adding that baptisms would normally occur during scheduled services and the church would limit activity to comply with city noise rules.

Several neighbors and church members spoke in favor of the project during the public hearing. Sharon Waitman, a member of the church, said the campus provides gathering space, supports local schools and seniors, and contributes charitable support. Keith Roberts and Karen Roberts — both church members and long-time residents — said the congregation faces space constraints (the applicant currently runs five services on weekends and reports outdoor overflow) and urged approval. Catherine Phillips said additional facilities would relieve crowding in portable trailers used for children’s programming.

During discussion, commissioners asked how many parking stalls currently exist; staff reported 59 regular stalls on site, and the applicant said the proposed 213 stalls would be needed once the project is built. Commissioners also asked whether the sports courts would be lighted; the applicant said lighting had not yet been designed but any future lighting would be required to meet city standards. The applicant said the current sanctuary would be repurposed for youth programs after the new building opens. The applicant listed service times as Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday services at 8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and a Spanish service at 1:30 p.m.

Commissioner Copeland moved to approve the CUP; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote: Commissioner Southard — yes; Commissioner Cooley — no; Commissioner Copeland — yes; Vice Chair Cueva — yes. The motion carried 3-1. Staff noted the appeal deadline is March 26 at 5:00 p.m.

The commission’s action authorizes the planning staff to prepare a notice of determination for filing with the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder and to implement the mitigation monitoring program if appealed or if the appeal period expires without challenge.