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Planning commission approves conditional use permit for eFree Church expansion after amending landscaping and alley language
Summary
The Laramie Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing approximately 7,000 square feet of non‑worship expansion at eFree Church, agreeing to require landscaping that meets current Laramie Municipal Code and adopting an amendment affecting alley‑paving language before passing the permit by voice vote.
The Laramie Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit on a motion passed by voice vote to allow eFree Church to expand its building at 2552 North 15th Street by roughly 7,000 square feet for classrooms, recreational and multi‑use spaces.
Derek, a city planning staff member, told the commission staff recommends approval with conditions, noting the expansion would not increase worship seating and that the proposal meets setback, utility and parking expectations. Derek also said municipal code generally requires alley paving but that prior planning‑commission decisions had allowed the alley behind the site to remain gravel.
Christy Roberts, the applicant’s representative with Dwell, asked commissioners to change condition 3 so the landscaping plan “shall comply with Laramie municipal code 15.14.050” and to remove or clarify condition 9.b so the alley could remain unpaved. “I represent the applicant here this evening,” Roberts said, describing the proposed landscaping and an existing irrigation system she said would support maintenance.
Pastor Mark Vaporez of Snowy Range, speaking for the congregation, emphasized neighborhood concerns about paving. “We we try to be a good neighbor,” Vaporez said, adding residents worried paving would increase cut‑through traffic and encourage dirt‑bike and ATV use that previously troubled the area.
Commissioners debated whether to uphold the planning commission’s 2012 landscaping recommendation or accept a new plan that complies with today’s code, and whether to require alley paving in accordance with municipal code or to allow the previous practice of leaving the alley gravel. Commissioner S9 moved to approve the permit and to amend item 9 to require landscaping to meet LMC 15.14.050 and to strike the clause that explicitly prohibited paving of the alley; the amendment carried by voice vote and the commission then approved the CUP as amended.
Staff noted required neighborhood mailings and a development sign were posted and that only two general inquiries had been received before the meeting. There was no formal written opposition presented at the hearing.
The commission approved the conditional use permit as amended; no roll‑call tally was taken and the chair announced the motion carried. The commission adjourned afterward.
