Mill Creek design board unanimously approves Venture Church addition built without permit, with landscaping conditions

The Mill Creek Design Review Board on Monday voted unanimously to approve amended plans for an unpermitted classroom addition at Venture Church, accepting staff recommendations that the building elevation and materials are consistent with previous approvals and imposing landscaping and screening conditions for residential abutters.

The board opened the item after Chairman Dave Hamilton identified the Venture Church unpermitted extension as the single new‑business agenda item. City staff told the board that while the church kept the color scheme and much of the approved design, an additional, unpermitted classroom increased the building’s square footage and had been constructed before final permitting was completed. Staff noted neighbor complaints and recommended a condition requiring additional landscaping and a fence or evergreen hedge along the residential side to screen uses.

Phil Frisk, the project architect, confirmed the addition used the original structural design and said the contractor’s sequencing and budget factors led to the expedited construction. Alex McGregor, executive pastor and project lead for the church, told the board the contractor encountered drainage problems and that the church had brought revised plans to city staff during construction but that the work proceeded faster than the permitting process.

Longtime Mill Creek resident Dan Strandy, who said he has worked in design review and construction, addressed the board in support of the church and asked members to approve the amendments. Following brief technical questions about the foundation and structure from board members, a member moved to approve the amended plans; the motion was seconded and the board recorded unanimous approval. The approval includes the staff‑recommended landscaping and screening measures intended to address neighbor complaints.

The board then moved on to a presentation on South Town Center design guidelines.