The Oakdale City Council approved a conditional use permit Tuesday allowing the Evangelical Church to convert the former LA Fitness building at 7360 33rd Street North into a place of worship.

The 45,000-square-foot facility will accommodate up to 915 people in its main assembly hall, with 300 existing parking spaces meeting the city's requirement of 247 spaces. Community Development staff member Luke told the council that places of worship are allowed in all zoning districts through the conditional use permit process, noting federal law requires religious assemblies be treated the same as other institutional uses.

The approval includes one condition requiring wayfinding signage at the intersection of 33rd Street and Hemingway Avenue to help direct traffic to proper turning lanes. A traffic study commissioned by the developer concluded the church use would not negatively affect intersection service levels, according to staff reports.

Chuck Beer, an attorney representing the church, said the congregation currently numbers about 440 adults and 700 total including children. Pastor Stefanos Salamu told the council the church does not hold special events that would require additional permits.

The council also received a progress update on the $31.3 million Public Works facility construction project, which remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2025. Owner's representative Don Tyson reported 30 percent of construction costs have been paid while only 10 percent of project contingency funds have been used.