Planning commission approves expansion of Union Adventist University's special-permit boundary for athletic fields

Aug. 5, 2026 — The Lancaster County Planning Commission voted 5–0 to approve an amendment to Preexisting Special Permit 28G that adds roughly 15.37 acres to the special-permit boundary for outdoor athletic fields tied to Union Adventist University at 5140 Calvert Street.

Planner Ben Callahan of Planning and Development Services told the commission the amendment would consolidate campus uses and avoid separate special permits by including the new fields in a single expanded boundary. Callahan said the applicant requested three waivers, including a 0-foot side-yard setback along the east and a waiver regarding anticipated light trespass, and described recommended conditions: a 30-foot setback on the north, a 20-foot setback on the west to protect neighboring rear yards, and watershed sign-off on a grading and drainage plan before final approval. "So adding roughly 15 acres," Callahan said in his presentation, "and that way, this would all serve for the college campus."

Applicant representative Aaron Bright of Olson told commissioners the proposed sequence would keep the existing academy open while the new school and fields are built, and that the redesign should reduce runoff to the problematic northwest corner. "I can tell you that based on the total area that's existing going to there, we are reducing that total area that will flow to that corner," Bright said, adding the project team will submit a drainage report to watershed for review.

Nearby residents raised concerns about lighting height, noise, and maintenance of the area behind an existing maintenance building. Resident Galen Payne asked about field-lighting height and whether the city noise-curfew applied at 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.; Kathy Payne asked who would maintain the rear area if it became overgrown. Staff said the university/property owner would be responsible for maintenance and clarified city enforcement: overgrown yards (above six inches) can be reported to the city and that noise standards shift at 10 p.m. to a lower decibel limit. Staff also reiterated that lighting must meet city standards limiting light trespass onto neighboring properties.

Commissioners expressed support and urged improved communication between the university and neighbors. A commissioner who moved approval said the concerns "can be resolved with good communication between the owners and the neighbors," and another commissioner praised Union's stewardship of community uses. The motion to approve Preexisting Special Permit 28G passed 5–0.