Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-16-12-166 — SOUL QUEST CHURCH OF MOTHER EARTH

Request: Special Exception in the A-2 zoning district for a religious use facility and Variance to allow unpaved parking spaces in lieu of paved. (Note: The applicant intends to use the property and existing 4,939 sq. ft. residence for religious, charitable and educational purposes).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant proposes to use his property for religious purposes. He will also reside in the home. No new construction is proposed. Staff gave a brief presentation. Staff advised that most of the religious services will be held outdoor in honor of Mother Nature. The BZA had concerns about the outdoor worshipping. And the potential impacts to neighbors. The applicant agreed to restrict themselves to the noise and sound limitations as required by the County's Noise Ordinance. The applicant advised the BZA that their outdoor worshipping is using outdoor sound devices or amplification of sound. The BZA felt the request was reasonable given the rural nature of the area and the buffers to the rear of the parcel. There was no opposition at the hearing.