Understanding the Anthem Chapel Development at 6595 Covington Way

Quick Facts:

Anthem Chapel leases the lot behind Christ Lutheran Church, which has provided free parking for City of Goleta events for many years. Anthem is proposing to build a massive 22,038 square foot event space butting up to the Stow House barn and the monarch preserve.

This property sits next to a nature preserve and environmentally sensitive monarch butterfly habitat. Three 500-seat Sunday services, plus 26 weddings and 30 memorials annually, will squeeze out concurrent Stow House public events, which already strain neighboring streets. The lot is too small for a complex the size of Bed Bath and Beyond, and 117 parking spaces is grossly inadequate for a congregation that already fills a 630-seat auditorium plus renting outbuildings for live streaming every Sunday and books venues with capacities nearing 2,000 for Christmas. Two new driveways will be added on Los Carneros Road next to the firehouse exit on a designated emergency evacuation route.

We propose Lutheran sells to the City of Goleta instead, preserving the continuity of events at Stow House for years to come.

Download the Project Description

Location: 6595 Covington Way, Goleta (Parcel 077-160-022)

PARKING & TRAFFIC OVERFLOW

  • Self-reported “500-seat” sanctuary with only 125 on-site parking spaces

  • Current overflow parking already blocks fire hydrants, driveways, intersections

  • 3 Sunday services + weekday evening services = multiple weekly traffic surges

  • 26 weddings/year + 30 memorials + special events throughout year

  • New driveway on Los Carneros Road affects Class II bike path

NOISE IMPACTS

  • Amplified outdoor events planned

  • Youth groups Tuesday/Thursday evenings

  • Area designated as "sensitive noise receptor" in Goleta General Plan

  • Previous noise complaints from existing smaller gatherings

FIRE EVACUATION SAFETY

  • Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) designation

  • Los Carneros Road & Covington Way = critical evacuation routes

  • Large events during emergency would severely compromise evacuation

  • Single egress community vulnerability

OPERATING HOURS

  • Sunday: 8AM-9PM (3 services)

  • Weekday evening services: 6PM-9PM

  • Preschool/Daycare: M-F 8AM-5PM

  • Office staff: M-F 7AM-6PM

BUILDING SCALE

  • 22,038 SF, 2-story building (31' height - exceeds 25' limit)

  • Subdivision required - splits existing 3.4-acre lot

The Bottom Line:

Anthem Chapel plans include a daycare, school, office space, and large events throughout the year. The proposed 125 117 parking spaces fall far short of their actual capacity which is closer to 300, raising significant concerns about compliance, safety, and the cumulative impact on Stow House, the Railroad Museum, Lake Los Carneros visitors, and the surrounding neighborhood.

Evidence of Current Overcapacity

Anthem Chapel rents Goleta Valley Junior High Auditorium, which has a 630-seat capacity. For special events they move to Dos Pueblos High School's 750-capacity auditorium to accommodate their congregation size, proving their congregation significantly exceeds 500 members.

290 cars counted for 6/22/25 Anthem Service

315 cars counted for 7/10/25 Anthem Service

125 117 parking spots on their plan

What Could This Space Become?

What if we came together to shape the future of this space as a community?
Imagine if local residents persuaded the city to acquire the property. This is a rare opportunity to stand up for something that reflects our shared values — not just another private development, but something by and for the people who live here.

  • Overflow parking to support Stow House events

  • Expanded Monarch butterfly and pollinator habitat

  • Nature Resource Center

  • Flexible open space for farmers markets, art fairs, and maker events

What would you like to see happen?

I am ready to take action

Key Community Concerns

The proposed Anthem Chapel development at 6595 Covington Way raises significant concerns for our residential community. As neighbors and residents, we believe this large-scale assembly use is incompatible with our quiet residential area and violates key principles of responsible community development.

  • Our neighborhood is zoned for single-family residential use to maintain low-density living and preserve the natural character that makes this area special. Large assembly facilities fundamentally conflict with residential zoning intentions.

  • The scale and frequency of proposed activities would disrupt the peaceful character of our neighborhood. Weekly services, evening events, and related gatherings generate significant noise that affects residents' ability to enjoy their homes and outdoor spaces.

  • The proposed development lacks adequate parking, forcing overflow into neighborhood streets. This creates safety hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicle access while burdening residents with congestion and blocked driveways.

  • The Lake Los Carneros area is designated as a protected scenic resource in the Goleta General Plan. The proposed development threatens the visual integrity and environmental sensitivity of this cherished community asset.

  • Fire safety and evacuation concerns arise from the proposed high-occupancy use in a residential setting.

  • Large-scale commercial assembly use in a residential zone threatens property values and undermines residents' investments in their homes and community.

Ways to Get Involved

Attend Public Hearings

Most Critical Action: Show up to the June 22 Planning meeting when this project is discussed. Your physical presence demonstrates community concern and allows you to speak during public comment periods. There is also a Zoom option.

What to Do:

Submit Individual Written Comments

Direct Impact: Each separate comment letter becomes part of the official record and must be considered by decision-makers.

How to Submit:

I want to learn more

Contact Your City Council Members Directly

Personal Influence: Direct constituent contact carries significant weight with elected officials. If this project gets appealed it will come down to a City Council vote.

Contact Information:

  • Find your council member here

  • Email or call their offices

  • Request in-person meetings during office hours

  • Be specific about your concerns and ask for their position