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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFD - 25-00664 – Summerfield Meetinghouse - Approx 2355 Summerfield Ln - CUP(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Reason for Decision 25-00664 – Summerfield Meetinghouse – Approx 2355 Summerfield Ln - CUP 1. July 7, 2025, An application was received for a CUP from Johnny Watson for a Conditional Use Permit for a Religious Meetinghouse. 2. July 7, 2025, Application paperwork was completed. 3. July 7, 2025, Payment was received for the application. 4. July 7, 2025, Staff Reviews were assigned. 5. July 22, 2025, Staff Reviews were completed. 6. July 23, 2025, Notice was sent to the newspaper to be published on August 5, 2025 & August 12, 2025. 7. August 13, 2025, Staff Report was completed. 8. August 4, 2025, Notice was mailed to all property owners within 350’. 9. August 12, 2025, Notice was posted on the property. 10. August 21, 2025, the application was presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Public Hearing – (25-00664) Summerfield Meetinghouse – CUP – Located at approximately 2355 Summerfield Ln, the application is to allow religious worship and meeting house in a LDR2 zone. – Johnny Watson (Action) Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Vice Chairperson Kempton asked the Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this meeting relative to this particular subject. Commissioner Hanna arrived at 6:37 pm Presentation: Administrator Parkinson shared the location of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) on the map. He explained that a meeting house requires a CUP in a residential zone. Staff has reviewed it, it is in a good location, keeps traffic off of public roads and supports the people within that area. Staff recommends that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommend the City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit. Vice Chairperson Kempton opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:38 pm. Favor: (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Francis Heppler expressed support for the proposed development near her residence. She noted that nearby neighbors are also in favor, viewing the project as a welcome improvement over the current weed-filled lot. She appreciated that the development is modest in scale and thanked the committee. Sandra Cramer expressed strong support for the proposed development near her home. She noted enthusiasm about the project and mentioned that being able to walk to church would help reduce traffic in the area. She thanked the committee. Commissioner Casper asked for clarification on the location of the proposed meeting house. Administrator Parkinson pointed out the location on the map. Neutral: none Opposed: none Written Correspondence: Three items were received in favor of the application. Since all were reviewed by the P&Z, the letters would not be read into the record. Rebuttal: none Vice Chairperson Kempton closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:41 pm. Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Lawrence expressed agreement with the proposed development, describing it as a good use of the land that will benefit the community. Commissioner Kempton commented on the application stating that the building would be used by 300 people at once, but predicted it would accommodate more than that if housing multiple wards. Commissioners discussed where meetings are currently held, noting their appreciation of not having to travel long distances to attend church. MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit for the Summerfield meeting house located at 2355 Summerfield Ln to be housed in a LDR2 zone . Action: Approve, Moved by Bruce Casper, Seconded by Dan Hanna. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 8, No = 0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Jim Lawrence, Bruce Casper, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes No: none Abstain: none 11. September 3, 2025, application was presented to City Council. Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow religious worship and meeting house in Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) zone per the Rexburg Development Code at 2355 Summerfield Ln #25-00664 – Alan Parkinson Action Item (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org P&Z Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow religious worship and meeting house in Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) zone per the Rexburg Development Code at 2355 Summerfield Lane. The request was brought to the planning and zoning commission, which held a public hearing and made a unanimous decision to move the request forward for review. The P&Z Commission recommended approval of this CUP. Council President Walker commented that he read all the letters submitted regarding the CUP, they were in support, and no one opposed the request. P&Z Administrator Parkinson responded two people had attended the hearing and spoke in the positive of the CUP request, and four letters were submitted, all in favor. No neutral or negative feedback was received. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Council Member Reeser asked if there would be adequate parking. P&Z Administrator Parkinson confirmed that a sketch had been provided showing the plan, which included sufficient parking. Council Member E. Erickson recalled that the land had originally been platted by Karchner’s for a church when the building on 12th West was constructed over 15 years ago. He noted it made sense to build a church on that property and expressed support. P&Z Administrator Parkinson clarified that the larger chapel nearby was intended for students to attend, while the proposed chapel would serve traditional wards. With the growing population in Summerfield and possible future expansion, it was believed to be the right time to establish another chapel in the area. Council Member Reeser suggested that traffic would mostly be internal to the neighborhood and might even be reduced, since many residents currently traveled along 12th West to attend other chapels. Council Member Johnson added that she lives across the street and noted most of the residents presently had to leave the subdivision to attend church services. Council Member Johnson moved to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow religious worship and meeting house in Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) zone per the Rexburg Development Code at 2355 Summerfield Lane; Council Member C. Erickson seconded the motion; Council President Walker asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried.