Visalia planning commission gives go ahead for "Mega" Church

The Visalia Planning Commission voted this week to approve a conditional use permit allowing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno to build a church that will have 3,392 seats.

According to a website set up by supporters of the church expansion, it is "an historic milestone for the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, the Fresno Dioscese, Catholics in Visalia and across California and the Nation." The location is 5049 West Caldwell Avenue in Visalia right near the intersection of South Akers Street.

Estimate construction costs of the church building alone are over $13 million.

A project description included in the agenda for the Planning Commission says "the sanctuary expands from 25,500 square feet to 33,983 square feet, with an increase in seating from 2,200 seats to 3,392 seats."