PLN180035 (Use Permit):  OWNER:  Sunnyslope Christian Center Assembly of God.  APPLICANT:  Mike Zangara.  LOCATION:  1520 Sunnyslope Road.  APN:  020-442-015.  REQUEST:  Construction of a 12,437-ft² church sanctuary building and a 12,827-ft² parking area (with new site total 187 parking spaces) on the northern portion of a 4-acre site currently including an existing church and related support buildings, with use shifting toward the new sanctuary, plus grading of approximately 350 to 400 cubic yards across approximately 1 acre and widening/improvement of Sunnyslope Road frontage to City of Hollister standards and new underground utilities to connect with Sunnyslope County Water District water services and the City of Hollister wastewater services.  GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION:  Residential Mixed (RM).  ZONING DISTRICT:  Rural Residential (RR).  ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:  Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration.  Planner: Michael Kelly (mkelly@cosb.us)

The project proposes construction of a 12,437-square-foot church sanctuary building on a four-acre property.  The building would be used as a new location for church functions currently performed in the site’s existing 9,568 square foot fellowship hall.  12,827 square feet of additional parking with 187 spaces would be established at the northern end of the project site to add to the existing 53,033 square foot parking lot.  The new building and parking would together result in 25,264 square feet of site development accommodating a maximum of 678 people during church holidays and special events.  The new facility would construct a bi-level auditorium with 312 seats on the bottom level and 358 stadium-style seats on the second level.  The facility would also include administrative offices, storage, bathroom facilities, a nursery, and a small café.  Total building height would be 34 feet with a 40-foot tower that supports a stainless-steel cross.  Grading for the project would require earthwork of approximately 350 to 400 cubic yards across approximately 1 acre. 

Included with project materials is Sunnyslope Christian Center comment stating a case against requiring improvements to Sunnyslope Road frontage.

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the staff report and Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, hold a public hearing, and hear any proponents and opponents of the proposed project.  Staff further recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the attached resolution to adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve PLN180035 subject to the findings and conditions of approval included within the resolution.