A Federal Way megachurch won approval Monday to add a helicopter takeoff and landing area, called a helistop, on its property.
It will enable Pastors Casey and Wendy Treat of Christian Faith Center to shuttle by air between the 15-month-old Federal Way church and its Everett campus.
Federal Way hearing examiner Phil Olbrechts granted the helistop with limits: no more than four landings and/or takeoffs a week, no flying over adjacent residences, no takeoffs or landings after 10 p.m., and no night-time flying.
Any of the seven people who spoke at a Dec. 10 public hearing or submitted comments can appeal the decision to the City Council. If none of them does, the hearing examiner’s decision is final.
The church can’t operate a helistop until the examiner’s decision is final or an appeal is resolved, said Isaac Conlen, the city’s planning manager.
Several neighbors in the area near Interstate 5 complained about noise they believe the helistop would add. But Olbrechts said a noise study concluded the helistop would result in “no measurable increase in noise” for residents near the church at 33645 20th Ave. S.
“In most residential areas, there is no question that the noise impacts of a heliport would be unacceptable,” Olbrechts wrote. “However, most areas are not located next to a freeway.”
The city recommended approval of the application.
Church spokeswoman and board member Debbie Willis said Christian Faith Center has no immediate plans to use the helistop.
“We’re happy that it went through,” Willis said. “We’re glad to have the option if we need to at some point.”
Gil Hulsmann, who represents Christian Faith Center, said the helistop area northeast of the church building already is part of a flight zone under city code.
The church will use the helistop only on major religious holidays and for special guest speakers, said Hulsmann, owner of Abbey Road Group Land Development Services. Another case would be a special event, such as Wendy Treat’s birthday, so she could be at both campuses for services, Hulsmann said.
The Treats previously used a helicopter taxi service to shuttle between Sunday services in SeaTac and Everett. The SeaTac church closed when the Federal Way campus opened.
Brigitte Goble and Elizabeth Kari are among neighbors against the helistop.
Goble is concerned about noise and air pollution. “He’s taken our peace and quiet away and now they bring a noisy helicopter in here,” said Goble, who lives across the street from the church and spoke at the hearing. “Why they would approve this is beyond me.”
Kari, who lives about three blocks from the church, said the helistop would increase noise.
“Who wants a helicopter landing just down the street from them?” she said. “It’s completely unnecessary.”
Kari, who submitted written comments to the hearing examiner, said she is considering appealing his decision.
The deadline to file an appeal with the City of Federal Way is 5 p.m. Jan. 12. The filing fee is $171.50. If someone appeals, the City Council would then hold a hearing and vote on the matter. The council’s decision could be appealed to King County Superior Court.
Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647
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