Frequently Asked Questions – Church Building Campaign

The address is 1445 Technology Lane, Unit A-1, Petaluma, CA 94954. The APN is 005-360-001.

The property was built in 2009.

It is a two story commercial condominium with concrete tilt up construction and a poured concrete second floor.

The property is a unit in the Technology Lane Business Center Condominiums. There are 2 buildings in the complex with a total of 20 units between them. The association appears to have well maintained the complex.

The current association fee is $835 per month. The fees cover water and garbage as well as maintenance of the common areas including landscaping and the parking lot, and various structural and/or external portions of the building such as the roof, perimeter walls, load bearing walls, etc.

While the maximum occupancy levels are ultimately something determined through the Conditional Use Permit application process, we believe there is ample room for at least 100 people seated comfortably.

In the upstairs there is room for an office, conference room, and multipurpose space without any changes to the current layout configuration.

There is not currently a full kitchen, though there are two existing kitchenettes. A kitchen on the first floor is part of the plans for the initial renovations.

There are open space trails immediately adjacent to the complex which also include some picnic tables and a path to the nearby Shollenberger Park. The exterior of the unit also includes wide overhangs over a walkway and some benches which would give some space for fellowship outside.

While ultimately this is a question the City of Petaluma will have to determine in the Conditional Use Permit application process, the complex itself has ample parking in the form of 140 spaces. The church’s peak usage, typically weekends and evenings, would fall outside the normal usage times of the other commercial units in the complex, and so the large amount of parking available is a great feature of this location.

While the church initially began as a church plant in 1970 with two families from Novato, over the years it has grown to be a commuter church serving the entire north bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Our membership has consistently drawn people from the counties of Marin, Sonoma, Solano, and Napa, as the only Orthodox Presbyterian Church in this north bay region.

Prior to our recent renewed efforts at a building search, we conducted a survey of the congregation over what geographical areas they could support for a church home. The results showed very strong support for a location in either Novato or Petaluma.

The current location is the last major north exit in Novato. This proposed new location is the first major south exit in Petaluma. This places the new site just 9 miles further north along Highway 101, with both locations just a few minutes off the freeway. While for some members this will reduce their commute time and for others it will extend it, we are thankful that it is not a larger geographical change. We do recognize the additional burden for those members whose commute times will be increased and are very thankful for their continued support of the church’s ministry.

Yes, it is less than half a mile east off Highway 101. It is also conveniently accessible from Highway 37 through the Lakeville Highway exit.

There is retail, residential, and recreational locations all nearby in walking distance. The site borders a creek with an open space trail leading to the nearby Shollenberger Park. The development is a two minute walk from the Adobe Creek and the Lakeville Square retail centers. It is also adjacent to the Azure Apartment Homes.

The church is a congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church which belongs to the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC). The nearest NAPARC congregations to this proposed new location are approximately 20 miles to the north in Santa Rosa and 26 miles to the south in Kentfield.

The property falls under the Zoning District of the Lakeville Business Park Planned Development (PD-LK). Under this zoning, a church use is permitted conditionally. This means that a Conditional Use Permit must be applied for and received by the City of Petaluma in order for a church to conduct religious services there.

The City of Petaluma has communicated to us that our use in this zoning district will require a Major Conditional Use Permit which they estimate the process to require approximately 6 months upon receipt of an application. For more information about the process, see the city web site at: https://cityofpetaluma.org/conditional-use-permit/

While it is not possible to predict the outcome of the Conditional Use Permit application process, we have involved a Civil Engineer and Architect to advise us on the feasibility of the project and to assist us in working through the process with the City. Based on initial findings, we are very hopeful for a favorable outcome and will provide updates as we continue to progress through the process.

There are no known major repairs required for the property. As part of our initial contingency period we have had a professional property inspection performed and that report is available upon request.

The plan for the first floor is to remove the two walls forming the existing conference room in order to open up the space into one large multipurpose space with a flexible room setup. This enlarged space on the first floor would serve as the main sanctuary with an assembly seating capacity of up to 100 people and could be easily re-arranged into a banquet style setup to facilitate fellowship meals. A small stage would also be constructed. Additionally, alongside the north side of the unit an additional bathroom and small enclosed kitchen would be added. No changes are planned currently for the second floor.

We would also install new carpeting on the first floor and paint the interior walls throughout the building. Some minor electrical and A/V work is also anticipated along with installing some additional lighting.

It is also noted that the Conditional Use Permit application process might uncover additional renovation requirements to comply with local code. Any such findings will need to be addressed as discovered and could result in changes to the final budget and timeline.

We plan to acquire a pulpit, communion table, chairs, folding tables, refrigerator, and microwave. We also intend to purchase some basic sound equipment to have a built-in sound system. Building signage would also be acquired.

The total project expenses are estimated at $913,750. That includes $814,000 for the purchase price, $23,000 in closing costs and other purchase fees, $8,000 in City Permit and Fees, $14,500 in professional services, $40,000 in renovations, and $14,250 in furnishings.

As of going into contract, we have approximately $700,000 in our building fund and an additional $25,000 designated from the Presbytery’s 49er Fund which represents approximately 79% of the total needed out of the estimated project budget of $913,750.

The church is applying for a loan through the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Loan Fund for the remainder of the proceeds we will likely still need after the capital campaign. We anticipate receiving loan approval within sixty days of our going into contract with the seller.

If the property purchase is not able to be successfully completed, either due to the Conditional Use Permit not being granted by the City of Petaluma, or for any other reason, then the funds raised through this capital campaign will be retained in our building fund and reserved for the purchase of a different building in the future.

Yes! In order to make a pledge, please contact us.

If you would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact us.

If you would like to make a donation of securities, including stock, bonds, and mutual funds, please contact us.

Yes, you can consider making an investment in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Loan Fund (OPCLF). The OPCLF offers fixed interest-rate notes in various maturity terms. These investments enable the OPCLF to loan out funds to churches in our denomination for purchasing a building. Contact Mark A. Stumpff, Loan Fund Manager, to request its latest Offering Circular. You can contact him by email at mark.stumpff@opc.org or via phone at (215) 830-0900. (Note: the OPCLF is only able to offer its investments to residents of certain states.)