Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Bakersfield Planning Commission approves Saint Demiana church sports courts amid neighbor concerns about fence height and lighting
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, after commissioners accepted staff conditions on lighting and fencing despite neighbors’ concerns about 16–18 foot fencing, glare and neighborhood character.
The Bakersfield Planning Commission on March 19 approved a conditional use permit (CUP 25‑0026) and zone modification (25‑0008) allowing Saint Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church to install two pickleball courts and a soccer field on the southeastern corner of its property, while imposing conditions on lighting and fencing.
Assistant Planner Andrea Morello presented the staff recommendation, saying staff had reviewed the proposal and "finds that the proposed request is a desirable addition to the public's welfare and is in harmony with key objectives of the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan." The applicant requested reduced setbacks, taller perimeter fencing and 20‑foot lighting fixtures to keep balls and spectators on site.
Church members and the project architect told the commission the improvements were…
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
