Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Bakersfield planning commission approves church play area with conditions after neighborhood concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit and zone modification allowing two pickleball courts and a soccer field at Saint Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church, despite neighbors’ concerns over a taller fence, lighting and reduced setback; staff recommended approval with lighting baffling and operational-hour conditions.
The Bakersfield Planning Commission voted March 19 to move forward with a conditional use permit (CUP 25-0026) and a zone modification (25-0008) that will allow Saint Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church to install two pickleball courts and a soccer field on church property.
Assistant Planner Andrea Murillo told commissioners staff found the request consistent with the Bakersfield Municipal Code and the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, and recommended approval. The project would reduce a required 10-foot setback to 5 feet for the recreational area, increase allowed fence height at a White Lane-facing portion to approximately 16–18 feet (netting above a 4-foot perimeter for the soccer field), and permit up to eleven 20-foot light fixtures to keep balls and people on the property.
Supporters, including church member Nadeem Sarkis and project architect…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
