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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 intended to make an existing playground safer. "A dedicated play area like this will provide a safe accessible space for the children," said Nadeem Sarkis, a church member who spoke in favor. Project architect Mina Arsenios said the work surrounds an already approved playground with fencing and netting to reduce the risk of children or balls entering the street.
Neighbors opposed the changes, focusing on fence height, lighting glare and loss of neighborhood character. Laura Lee Long, who said she has lived next to the site 36 years, asked commissioners to "rethink what they're doing," arguing an 18‑foot fence would "change the whole look of the neighborhood." Kathy Wright said she supports children’s safety but warned the noise and lighting would intrude on sleep: "The light, I am very sensitive to light." Another resident raised concerns that tall lights at a nearby curve could blind drivers and create traffic hazards.
Commissioners asked staff and the applicant detailed questions about fence placement, lighting design and hours, and tree impacts. Staff said the taller fencing would be limited to the sports area and would not extend around the entire parcel; the soccer field area would retain a 4‑foot fence with netting above, while the taller chain‑link fencing (described in plans as roughly 16 feet) would abut White Lane. Staff also noted lighting would be conditioned with downward‑facing fixtures and baffling to limit glare, and the operation hours in the staff conditions allow activity to end at 10:00 PM and lighting until 11:00 PM unless the commission imposes a different restriction.
Commissioner questions noted several mitigation options: the record shows existing parking lot lights nearby range "between 20 to 24 feet," and staff told the commission replacement trees had been provided for trees removed during demolition review. In rebuttal, Sarkis said the church’s existing parking lights are on timers and "turn off at 10 sharp," and that shorter hours (for example, turning lights off by 9 PM) could be workable.
After discussion, Commissioner Martin moved to accept staff's recommendation and forward the project with the recommended conditions; Vice Chair Bridal seconded. The motion passed; the record notes Commissioner Brent Oliver was absent for the vote.
The decision is subject to the city's appeal process; staff read the appeal instructions at the meeting. The commission also announced its next meeting on April 2.
