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Council approves site plan to convert single-family home into religious assembly near Brockton Lane
Summary
The council approved Resolution 2026-65 to allow conversion of a single-family residence to a small religious assembly; staff said the current facility would likely hold up to 20 people, must meet life-safety upgrades, and must connect to sewer when Brockton Lane is reconstructed.
The city council voted to approve a site-plan request allowing a single-family home to be used as a religious assembly, passing Resolution 2026-65 after a staff presentation and council questions.
Brett, a city staff member, told the council that an "assembly use in this case would refer to a religious assembly" and that the property conversion is a permitted use in residential zoning. He said the applicant will need full building permits and life-safety upgrades: "Assembly uses require set, life and safety measures to be put in place, such as fire sprinklers," and that the current plans anticipate "probably, at most, up to 20 people for the current facility." Brett added the applicant plans to gut the interior to bring it into compliance.
Council members focused questions on traffic, septic, signage and parking. Brett said the site-plan review included contact with the Hennepin County transportation department and staff determined the current size and occupancy did not trigger turn-lane requirements now. On septic, Brett said Hennepin County handles septic permitting and "they did outlay that they would have to just connect to city services within 3 years," while the city prefers connection sooner when Brockton Lane is reconstructed. On parking, staff said the lot will be gravel initially and is planned to be paved within about a year depending on funding.
Doren, a city staff member working on the Brockton Lane project, told the council that Brockton Lane is programmed for reconstruction next year and that the project will connect utilities across Brockton, which would allow the site to hook to sewer. Doren also said the county and city have discussed adding turn lanes and a trail as part of the reconstruction.
The council followed with a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-65; Mark (council member) moved the resolution, a fellow council member seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote. The approval is conditioned on the site-plan and building-permit process, including required inspections and compliance with county septic permitting.
