October 2025 Update

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Summary

Significant behind-the-scenes planning and development continues as we prepare to launch the campus project wisely and sustainably. Nearly $2 million was given through the Launch Gift, enabling essential planning and permitting work. After discovering parking and zoning constraints tied to our Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which limit the ability to sell the back parking lot, we engaged the Town of Los Gatos and legal counsel to find the most efficient path forward. The Town recommended a two-step process, an Architecture & Site Review and Building Permits; a process that resolves the CUP issue, allows the sale of the back parking lot, and clears the way for construction. Calvary Leadership continues to follow a prayerful, mitigated-risk approach, addressing challenges up front and moving forward with wisdom, stewardship, and trust.

 

Full Update

As church leadership, our desire is to communicate regularly and clearly about the details of the campus project. A significant amount of work is being done to move the project forward through the planning and development phase.

Building Partnerships and Preparing to Launch

Throughout the campus utilization discovery process, we developed key partnerships with architects, designers, contractors, and others who continue to provide invaluable insight into this project.

With the elders approving the scope of the project back in March, the church family receiving the designs with excitement and anticipation over the summer, and nearly $2 million already given in generosity, we are now preparing for the next phase: launching the project wisely and sustainably.

Approach to Risk

There are two primary ways to begin a project of this scale:

  • High-Risk Approach: Start quickly and address issues as they arise. This can move fast but often leads to costly delays.

  • Mitigated-Risk Approach: Identify and resolve major roadblocks in advance. This takes longer to begin but allows for smoother, uninterrupted progress.

Calvary’s leadership has chosen the mitigated-risk approach, discovering and addressing as many roadblocks up front as possible, which best reflects how we’ve operated so far and how we sense God leading us; moving forward with wisdom, stewardship, and trust.

 

Sale of Back Parking Lot

Part of the approved project scope includes selling the back parking lot to generate capital for construction. In July, we engaged a realtor to begin this process. During his research, one of those above-mentioned roadblocks emerged:

  • Calvary’s property is zoned residential and governed by a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)[1].

  • The CUP specifies parking requirements tied directly to the seating capacity of the Worship Center (one space per four seats).

  • Selling the back parking lot today would both (1) put us out of compliance with the current CUP and (2) prevent any buyer from developing that land.

This discovery required us to form additional partnerships to navigate the complexity.

1.        Partnership with the Town of Los Gatos

It’s our desire to be a good neighbor and develop a quality partnership with the town. Our initial step, based on Town of Los Gatos staff recommendations, was to meet directly with the Community Development Director and Planning Manager. Our approach was to share the vision of the project, including our intent to sell the back parking lot as a funding source.

After several collaborative conversations, we were encouraged by their receptivity to the project at large. We also confirmed that town code documents don’t contain the flexibility to allow the sale of the back parking lot without a formal CUP modification (updating on-site parking requirements). Importantly, physically demolishing the Worship Center is not required prior to the sale, only the CUP modification and permitting for the demolition[2].

2.        Partnership with Land Use Attorney

To navigate the zoning language and contractual process, we engaged a vetted, experienced Land Use Attorney. He is ensuring we operate within our legal rights and advising us on potential opportunities throughout the process.

 

Town Recommendation and Next Steps

The town offered guidance on the most efficient way to move forward, allowing us to address the CUP issue, enabling the sale of the property, and begin construction as soon as possible. Their recommendation involves separating the project into two smaller processes:

1.        Architecture & Site (A&S) Review

This process includes the planning for demolition of the Worship Center and the new site plan going in its place. An A&S Review is an overarching process that typically takes 6-9 months and incorporates several different aspects of the project:

  • Finalized designs with architects for the new site work

  • Formal modification to the CUP reflecting updated parking requirements and operating allowances

  • Discretionary review by a town council-appointed group

  • Permitting for demolition and replacement work

Once complete, Calvary’s CUP will be formally modified and permits will be issued, allowing both the sale of the back parking lot and the initiation of construction at our discretion (must begin within 24 months of approval).

2.        Building Permit for Chapel and Family Life Center

This second process recommended by the town focuses on the interior upgrades and minor exterior improvements to the Chapel and FLC.

The Building Permit application is also an overarching process with different implications:

  • Building permits are typically faster than an A&S (approximately 3 months vs 6-9 months)

  • They do not impact the CUP or require discretionary review (building permits are internal with the town planning department)

  • They can run concurrently with A&S as a distinct process

  • It will be managed primarily through our architectural team’s coordination with the town

 

Where Things Stand Now

Our attorney has confirmed that following the town’s recommendation, beginning the A&S Review, provides the highest level of risk mitigation as we prepare to sell the back parking lot.

We have anticipated an A&S requirement, to receive permitting for the Worship Center demolition and its replacement site work, from the outset of the design planning. This is not a surprise. The town’s recommendation to engage the comprehensive A&S at the front end of the project timeline, specifically its incorporation of the CUP modification, is the clarity we needed as it solves the parking lot sale dilemma and expedites our path to construction in one confined process. This recommendation supports our desire to mitigate risk and address as many roadblocks up front as possible.

 

Immediate Next Steps

In God’s sovereignty and kindness, and through the generosity of those who gave their best gift as a part of the Launch Gift, we have exactly what’s needed to fund this planning and preparation process.

The Elder Board and Leadership Team have reviewed all of this information (current funding, future funding scenarios, mitigated risks) and are prayerfully considering scenarios for sequencing the planning, funding, and construction pathway options.

 

Please join in praying for our leaders as they seek God’s wisdom and timing. We have seen God’s hand in every step of this journey, and we trust He will continue to guide us as we move forward, building for now, for the future, and for belonging.

 



[1] A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a zoning exception that allows a property owner to use their land in a way not otherwise permitted within the particular zoning district.

[2] physical demolition of the Worship Center will be required within 24 months of approval.