Religious Accessory Uses Zoning Study

As proposed, it would have adverse effects on all religious institutions in St. Paul. We are encouraging you to participate in this discussion. The proposed change would have two major effects impacting all religious institutions: The city would no longer gran or authorize permits to religious institutions that want to build or renovate their facilities unless these renovations were directly impacting the worship space or Kindergarten-8th grade education. That suggests that if we wanted to add more meeting rooms to our building, enhance the Gathering Area, add more preschool classrooms or any number of improvements, a permit would not be granted. This proposal would require religious institutions to obtain a permit to offer any other programming which is not directly related to religious formation. Thus, our bridge group, senior exercise classes, other social events or any for of activity that might build up the community or be of service to the wider neighborhood, would require us to get an Activities Permit for every unrelated activity.

Both of these proposed changes would restrict our parish and school ministries and therefore we strongly encourage your to express your concern about this overreach by either:
 
Calling Bill Dermody at 651-266-6565 or Email him at [email protected]
 
Read the details here:
Religious Accessory Uses-PC PH 10.29.21.pdf (govdelivery.com)