LAMORINDA, CA — A prominent West Lafayette religious institution is asking for an unusual review process that would allow planners to weigh in on a proposed large-scale development before environmental studies are complete.
Temple Isaiah has applied for permits to build a new 16,565-square-foot, two-story community building next to its existing campus at 945 Risa Road on Lafayette's west side.
The proposal includes requests for a land use permit, a Hillside Development Permit, a grading permit, a tree removal permit, and variances for building height and reduced parking.
The project would exceed Lafayette’s height limit by reaching 47 feet, 5 inches, while developers also seek approval to remove 20 protected trees, and move roughly 875 cubic yards of soil on the hillside site.
City staff said the project originally was scheduled to move through the Lafayette Planning Commission and Design Review Commission in a traditional sequence.
But delays in completing California Environmental Quality Act analysis prompted Temple Isaiah officials to request an early planning commission review before the environmental document is finalized.
Under the proposed schedule, commissioners would first review the project and provide feedback without voting on final approvals or conditions.
The Design Review Commission would then evaluate the architectural and site design before the proposal returns to planners for a final hearing with the completed environmental analysis attached.
Planning staff said the added time would allow the applicant to address commissioner concerns while environmental consultants finish the CEQA review.
If commissioners approve the revised meeting order, Temple Isaiah would return to the Planning Commission on July 6 for its first full project review.
: June 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the Lafayette Library, 3492 Mount Diablo Blvd. or online
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