Lakeville planning commission backs Restoration Covenant Church expansion, approves parking variance recommendation

The Lakeville Planning Commission on May 21 recommended City Council approval of a conditional use permit for Restoration Covenant Church to expand its sanctuary and to exceed the municipal parking limit for the RS3 residential district.

Pastor Rob Jacobson described the church’s history and the purpose of the project: to expand sanctuary and classroom space to support growth, enable two additional services and improve building circulation and safety. He said the congregation purchased the existing building at 16880 Cedar Avenue in October 2022 and plans a phased expansion that could later include a dedicated children’s wing and community activity space.

City planner Ms. Botten told commissioners the site is zoned RS3 (single‑family residential), where religious uses require a conditional use permit. Staff reported the existing church area is about 5,700 square feet and the proposal would add a 7,555‑square‑foot addition. The site currently has 72 parking spaces; the proposal would increase that to 153. Ms. Botten explained that the site would have a minimum of 100 allowed stalls and a 125% maximum under city code, so the requested 153 spaces exceed the maximum and require a variance/conditional use finding. She also said the project proposes removal of 73.6% of on‑site trees, which triggers tree replacement requirements and that the city forester has reviewed and approved the replacement plan in concept.

Staff described a proposed private stormwater basin in the northwest corner of the property and said maintenance and site improvement agreements (SIPA) will be required prior to council review. In response to commissioner questions, the project team confirmed the stormwater basin is sized to accommodate future phases rather than only the initial addition.

A nearby resident, Dennis Batty, spoke in public comment and said multiple‑service worship formats increase parking demand; based on his experience he felt the proposed parking did not seem unreasonable but cautioned the lot may still be insufficient in the long term.

Commissioner Tinsley moved to recommend City Council approval of the conditional use permit to allow the building expansion and to exceed 125% of the minimum parking stalls required by the zoning ordinance, subject to the seven stipulations in the planning report dated May 15, 2026 and the engineering stipulations; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote. Staff indicated the City Council hearing is anticipated June 15.

Action details: The recommendation is conditional on the planning and engineering stipulations, tree replacement requirements, and required maintenance/SIPA agreements for the private stormwater basin. The commission noted phasing and the need to balance adequate on‑site parking with neighborhood constraints such as the prohibition of overflow parking on Cedar Avenue.