Renovation Church Receives Conditional Use Permit for New East Bethel Location
East Bethel City Council unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit, allowing Renovation Church to establish its presence in a new multi-tenant business flex building following a recent zoning amendment.
East Bethel City Council unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Renovation Church during a recent meeting, paving the way for the establishment of a new place of worship within a multi-tenant business flex building. The decision allows the church to occupy a portion of a proposed 21,600 square-foot development situated in the city’s B3 Highway Commercial district.
The approval of Renovation Church's permit follows the council's earlier adoption of Ordinance 2026-02, a zoning text amendment that specifically added business flex buildings as a conditional use within the B3 district. This amendment outlined tenant use limitations, prohibited uses, and provided a clear definition for such structures, enabling more diverse commercial and community uses in these developments.
Discussions surrounding the permit centered primarily on potential logistical impacts, particularly concerning traffic and parking. City planning staff highlighted these as key considerations for any place of worship in such a building, given its potential for peak attendance during specific hours.
The principal issues in this case of a place of worship in this building are parking, traffic circulation, emergency access, and compatibility with other buildings, tenants or certainly the area.
Council members also raised specific concerns about traffic flow, especially on Sundays, which are typically high-volume days for church services. The location's proximity to existing businesses and major roadways prompted discussions about managing congestion.
Not that I'm just thinking of Sundays with all the traffic coming south and then the church on Sundays and I'm like the Holiday gets busy on Sundays.
This concern specifically referred to the area near the 187th Street access point, close to the Holiday and Circle K establishments. Staff clarified that while traffic management was a significant consideration, certain methods involving public right-of-way would not be permissible.
If you do have a lot of traffic, if the church or the owner or the applicant is trying to do some kind of site traffic management with an individual out there with cones or flags, they would not be allowed to do that in the public right away.
The overall development, known as Final Approach East Bethel Edition, was presented as a multi-tenant business flex building encompassing approximately 21,600 square feet. The proposal also included plans for associated parking, loading areas, internal circulation, water and sewer extensions, grading, and storm water facilities. The preliminary and final plat for this comprehensive development (Resolution 2026-37) also received unanimous approval from the council.
Despite the detailed discussions on potential impacts, the City Council ultimately found the church's proposal compatible with the city's plans for commercial development and unanimously approved the Conditional Use Permit, allowing Renovation Church to proceed with its plans to establish a new location in East Bethel.
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Votes (10)
2026 Proposed Budget Review
The Council reviewed the 2026 proposed budget, including a 5.8% levy increase. Key cost drivers identified were union contracts (3% COLA, firefighter pay, healthcare), law enforcement (3.9% increase), Metro Inet, and audit contracts. Increases were also noted for equipment replacement ($40k), street capital ($50k), and park capital ($10k). A state fire aid contribution ($114k) was noted as budget neutral. Council members expressed concern about the high levy increase and questioned the adequacy of the building maintenance fund (facing a $2.5M deferred maintenance backlog), and the sheriff's budget, including police car purchasing practices. The 35% increase in Planning and Zoning was attributed to fully funding a previously vacant position.
Review of Firearm Ordinances
The Council discussed existing firearm ordinances, specifically the 500-foot prohibited use zone near buildings. The conversation was prompted by recent neighborhood complaints about repeated gunfire and the state's change allowing rifle use south of Highway 95. Council members debated the vague definition of 'nuisance' in relation to continuous gunfire and considered whether to amend the ordinance without restricting constitutional rights. The current penalty for violation is a misdemeanor.
Advisory Member Code of Conduct Discussion
The Council discussed the absence of a Code of Conduct for advisory committee and commission members, triggered by a complaint alleging inappropriate use of position by a commission member. Staff presented examples from Long Lake and North Oaks, covering topics like standards of conduct, conflicts of interest, and representation. Council members emphasized the need for clear guidelines, particularly regarding potential influence on council votes and conflicts of interest, requesting a concise document for future review.
Code Enforcement and Short-Term Rental Ordinance
Moved by Mayor [0:53:35] · Seconded by Council Member [0:53:57]
The Council discussed code enforcement actions against a property at 19520 Tri Oak Circle operating as an illegal short-term rental and commercial venue. Despite multiple cease and desist letters and a partial rental application, the owner remains in violation. The city attorney advised on prosecution steps. The discussion also covered the need to amend the city's ordinance to clearly define short-term rentals and ensure appropriate regulation, noting that the property in question would not be compliant even with a short-term license. Concerns were raised about potential vandalism and the costs of prosecution versus the property being sold.
Consent Agenda Item G: Backup Generators for Wells One and Two
Moved by Council Member Suzanne [1:10:49] · Seconded by Council Member [1:10:55]
Council Member inquired about the funding source for backup generators for wells one and two, expressing concern about general taxpayer burden. Staff clarified that these wells service the northern portion of the city and the project would be financed through grants and the enterprise fund, which is paid for by water users, not general fund taxpayers.
Ordinance 2026-02: Zoning Text Amendment for Business Flex Buildings (Final Approach)
Moved by Council Member Urkel [1:21:04] · Seconded by Council Member Suzanne [1:21:28]
The Council debated a zoning text amendment to add 'business flex buildings' as a conditional use in the B3 highway commercial district, applying city-wide. The proposed amendment allows for multi-tenant buildings for employment-based uses, including light industrial, with architectural standards. A key point of discussion led to an amendment prohibiting cannabis-related businesses within these new flex buildings, which staff confirmed could be incorporated into the ordinance language.
Resolution 2026-37: Preliminary/Final Plat, CUP, and Site Plan for Final Approach East Bethl Edition
Moved by Council Member Urkel [1:30:10] · Seconded by Council Member [1:30:30]
The Council approved the preliminary and final plat, a conditional use permit, and site plan review for the Final Approach East Bethl Edition development. This plan includes a 21,600 sq ft multi-tenant business flex building located east of Ulysi Street, west of Highway 65. The developer is responsible for extending Ulysi Street and necessary utilities. A traffic analysis indicated no significant impact on the level of service, though a caveat was added to address future congestion if conditions change. The property will remain B3 zoned with mixed-use comprehensive plan guidance.
Resolution 2026-38: Conditional Use Permit for Renovation Church
Moved by Council Member Urkel [1:36:58] · Seconded by Council Member [1:37:25]
The Council approved a Conditional Use Permit allowing Renovation Church to occupy 15,000 sq ft of the new Final Approach flex building with a capacity for 400 seats. Key issues addressed included parking (195 available stalls exceeding 134 required), traffic circulation, and emergency access. Conditions include constructing the entire flex building, final floor plan approval, and potential requirement for licensed law enforcement traffic control during peak times like Sunday services at the applicant's expense. The church is expected to have minimal weekday operations.
Ordinance 2026-03: Administrative Subdivision Regulations Amendment
Moved by Council Member Suzanne [1:42:37] · Seconded by Council Member [1:43:24]
The Council approved amendments to the administrative subdivision regulations. The key change establishes a 10-year look-back period for simple lot splits, meaning a property owner can use this expedited process only once within a decade. The amendment also clarifies that while staff provides recommendations, the City Council retains final approval authority. The goal is to provide a simpler, less expensive option for single lot splits for individual homeowners, without altering lot size, land use, frontage, or wetland requirements, while still distinguishing it from multi-lot developer plats.
Declaration of City Council Vacancy and Appointment
Dissent: Mayor [1:49:33] voted against Stacy Miller's appointment. One council member voted against Dino Perfetti's appointment.
Moved by Council Member Suzanne [1:47:18] (for vacancy declaration); Council Member Suzanne [1:49:03] (for Stacy Miller's appointment); Mayor [1:50:52] (for Dino Perfetti's appointment) · Seconded by Council Member [1:47:24] (for vacancy declaration); Council Member [1:49:17] (for Stacy Miller's appointment); Council Member [1:51:02] (for Dino Perfetti's appointment)
The Council addressed the vacancy of a city council seat following Councilman Tim Miller's passing. The City Administrator outlined the process, requiring a resolution to declare the vacancy and a subsequent discussion on appointment options. Eligibility for appointment includes being a U.S. citizen, city resident, and at least 21 years old. The appointment is temporary until a permanent election. Council members expressed deep condolences and support for Stacy Miller, Tim Miller's wife, to fill the seat due to her familiarity with city issues and dedication. A motion to appoint Stacy Miller failed 2-3 (including Mayor's tie-breaking vote). Subsequently, the Mayor made a motion to appoint Dino Perfetti, which passed 3-1.
Notable Quotes (29)
Mr. Mayor and Council, we are bringing the budget discussion back this evening. Um, we had brought it prior and there was a desire to bring it back uh to be able to review it a little bit more in depth and uh and to then bring questions back if there were any.
I'm just going to comment. I screded at trying to find something to cut to try to get it under 5% because I think this is the highest increase we've had in years, decades maybe.
Right. Um, we we touched on this a little bit in the last meeting. Um, there was uh we had them go through a fine tooth comb of how old are your boilers, how is your roof, you know, when when do things need to be replaced? and they came up with a $2.5 million bill.
My question is [clears throat] with the sheriff's budget, has anybody really looked into this on how we could save money with the sheriff? If any negotiations with them at all?
No person shall use, fire, or discharge a firearm in the city within 500 ft of any dwelling, house, or commercial or industrial building. person, however, may use fire or discharge a firearm within such distance of a dwelling, house or commercial industrial building which is owned by that person or if that person has written consent of the owner of the property um to to use fire or discharge that firearm.
I'm not for restricting any gunfire because I think it would affect them and hunting hours start really early in the morning for deer hunting and um although they don't go late into the night. Um, I think we just have they'll just have to call the police. you know, maybe if you put something in a noise ordinance where it's um after between midnight and 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., you know, cuz that would help with some of the firework complaints that we get to.
One of the challenges with nuisance is the ability to define nuisance. You know, one person's feeling of nuisance is different than another person's.
We don't have [clears throat] any sort of member code of conduct documents at all that might say this is how we would expect you to to you know conduct yourself if you're appointed to a committee or commission.
I think it's a good idea to put something in writing because if somebody's saying that they can influence our votes, that's not good because nobody can influence me. I vote my heart and residents.
I mean just general, maybe a couple pages, um, at the most, but we don't need to get into explicit detail of, um, some of the stuff.
The city's received several complaints about uh a rental activity occurring at 1 19520 Tri Oak uh Circle and um the the owner of that site um has been uh renting that space out as an VBO. um using it for uh hosting um large groups through that VBO.
So I think what staff is maybe for is how else can we convey to this individual that um you are operating contrary to the current law um and yeah you've submitted some things but you're not there yet and in the meantime uh please cease.
So the question is, do we have enough form [clears throat] of formal complaint? I I I I indicated earlier that with um the uh law enforcement going out there and gathering the information, another thing to keep in mind, but [snorts] gathering the information of those individuals that they spoke to that were actually renting at the property and identifying them. I think I I believe so. Yes, let's do it. I would say that's move forward with the formal complaint.
So, wells three and four had generators put in with that project initially. So, those those have backup generation already. Uh this portion will be financed through these three grants that we applied for and were awarded. The rest of the money will come from our enterprise fund which is not general fund money. It's not the taxpayers of East Bethl. It's only the water users.
The proposed amendment would add business flex buildings as a conditional use uh within the B3 highway commercial district subject to tenant use limitations, prohibited uses, and the definition of a business flex building.
I have a suggestion. Can we take off the cannabis stuff off the list and if it means even if it means changing an or ordinance to limit the city of East Bethl to one cannabis place because we already have that. We don't need anymore.
So, it would be we'd have to tweak the language on this a little bit, but if that's what the council wants, that can be done.
The proposal ultimately includes approximately 21,600 foot multi-tenant business flex building. Now again, you've approved the the philosophy of the text amendment. Um together parking, loading areas, internal circulation, water, sewer extensions, grading, storm water facilities, etc.
Do they have access to Viking, too? I mean, can they come off of Viking up there too somewhere or is it just going to be 187?
But there is a caveat in the resolution that says should things or conditions change that we can justifiably attribute to their uses that you would have the ability to go back and and address that.
Not that I'm just thinking of Sundays with all the >> traffic coming south and then the church on Sundays and I'm like the holiday gets busy on Sundays.
The principal issues uh in this case of a of a place of worship in this building are parking, traffic circulation, emergency access, and compatibility with other buildings, tenants or certainly the area.
Um, if you do have a lot of traffic, um, that if they they the church or the owner or the the applicant, um, is trying to do some kind of site traffic management with an individual out there with cones or flags, they would not be allowed to do that in the public right away.
Your current ordinance uh basically prohibits a a simple lot split uh if it happens once, but um there is no look back period. If you did it once in 1942 or 1987 um then you couldn't do a simple lot split again. The challenge with that is we as staff and probably many owners don't have a deep history of that.
Is there any size limitations? I mean, I think it's for rural it's got to be two acres. But if you have 50 acres, can you split off a two if you split off and do a two acre? Um, do you have to wait 10 years to do another two acre or
So So the concept of the simple lot split is to be a faster, less expensive opport uh alternative for an individual homeowner to do exactly what he just described, splitting off a lot so their son or daughter can build a home and they just that's all they want to do is split one lot.
The goal should be to fill that seat um, as soon as possible. And there are many different options for uh, filling that seat, some of which I'm sure you'll be discussing here this evening.
I don't think we should wait till November [clears throat] to find out who the biggest vote getter is because that leaves that seat vacant much too long. I think uh I haven't heard anybody else with interest in filling the seat other than Miss Mrs. Miller.
Tim Miller. I consider him a great friend. I've only known him for like three and a half years, but the guy, he had a heart of gold. He cared about the residents of this city. cared about the businesses. The guy was just me and him hit it off really well.
Ordinances & Resolutions (16)
Identified as a cost driver for the 2026 budget, including a 3% COLA increase for union and non-union members, and specific provisions for firefighters.
Identified as a cost driver for the 2026 budget, with a 3.9% increase or $62,000 from the prior contract.
Identified as a cost driver for the 2026 budget, with a $2,000 increase.
City's code identifying firearms and addressing prohibited use near buildings.
Approved ordinance amending B3 zoning district to add business flex buildings as a conditional use, with a condition to prohibit cannabis-related businesses.
Approved resolution for Final Approach development's preliminary/final plat, conditional use permit, and site plan review.
Approved resolution for Renovation Church's conditional use permit to occupy space in the Final Approach flex building.
Approved ordinance amending administrative subdivision regulations, establishing a 10-year look-back period for simple lot splits and clarifying council as final approving authority.
Approved resolution declaring a vacancy of a city council seat.
City code chapter outlining the traditional subdivision process, distinct from simple lot splits.
Specific section of city code governing the B3 highway commercial zoning district, which was amended by Ordinance 2026-02.
East Bethl Fire Department's internal document for probationary firefighters outlining operational procedures and equipment use.
Organization providing training and resources for elected officials and commission members on roles, responsibilities, and legal guidelines.
Documentary mentioned by Channing Stoall regarding election equipment certification issues.
Commission mentioned by Channing Stoall that notified ESS about election equipment not meeting federal standards.
Manufacturer of election equipment mentioned by Channing Stoall, notified by EAC regarding certification issues.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
2026 Proposed Budget Review and Levy Discussion
Review of Firearm Ordinances and Nuisance Concerns
Establishment of Advisory Member Code of Conduct
Code Enforcement of Illegal Short-Term Rental Operations and Ordinance Development
Zoning Text Amendment for Business Flex Buildings
Preliminary/Final Plat and Site Plan Approval for Final Approach Development
Amendments to Administrative Subdivision Regulations
City Council Vacancy Declaration and Appointment
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