Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-02-08-064 — Jose L. Rivera

Request: Special Exception in R-1A (single family-7500 sq. ft. lots) zone for religious use and Variance to allow unpaved (grassed) parking in lieu of paved (NOTE: Applicant wants to convert the existing two story residence for this use. No additional buildings are proposed).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The Staff Report and Recommendation is located on Pages____ Several commentaries were received in opposition to this request. The opposition was from neighboring residents. They were concerned about compatibility with the residential neighborhood. One resident wrote a concern that the property was owned by individual persons and not a religious organization. Another resident complained about loud parties occurring late at night shortly after the property was sold. Upon questioning by the BZA, the applicant stated he is taking classes to be an ordained minister and that they have officers for incorporation as a non-profit religious organization. He stated they have a community outreach program which includes night-time fun activities for youth. They currently have a church near Curry Ford Road and S.R. 436, but they are growing and wish to be closer to the Hispanic population they serve. The BZA added conditions to mitigate the concerns expressed by the residents. The applicant agreed to the conditions.