Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-99-07-004 — Faith Assembly Church of God, Inc.

Request: For Special Exception in R-1 zone for church use and Variance to provide unpaved parking.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Applicant proposes to convert a 1,007 square foot home into a church facility. The church currently has a small congregation meeting in the Edgewater Commerce Center. Staff presented its report, in which it was made clear that the County is seeing many similar requests for small churches within residential areas. Staff also made clear the fact that such conversions are not solely authorized via zoning approval. There are numerous (and potentially costly) building improvements that may be necessary to convert a home into a place of assembly. Two (2) spoke in opposition. There was a petition submitted with 12 residents opposed to the request. The opposition spoke of reduced property values, parking for an overflow of visitors, and traffic problems on Rose Avenue. The Board of Zoning Adjustment concluded that the site was capable of supporting a church use, and that while the neighborhood was primarily residential, Rose Avenue has become a busy roadway suitable for the small church proposed. The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved the request subject to conditions.