Parking will be zoning obstacle for MB church
Steve Garrett, Hillsboro city administrator, updated Hillsboro Community Planning and Development Commission Thursday regarding rebuilding plans of Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.
"The ball is in the church's court," said Garrett. "Since the church is gone, city zoning regulations will apply to the property."
Previously, city zoning rules did not apply to the church property due to "grandfathering" or the church being in place before the regulations were adopted.
"The biggest problem is the parking regulation," continued Garrett.
According to city building codes, for every three seats in the sanctuary, one parking stall must be available. For 600 seats in the sanctuary, for example, 200 parking stalls are required. The stalls must be off-street and on private property, according to zoning requirements.
Garrett has advised church officials of the situations. He noted variances could be sought by the church through the board of zoning appeals.
"The church meets the requirements for a variance," added John Riggs, planning and zoning consultant in attendance at the meeting. "Regulations are for new structures more than existing structures."
The city's uniform building codes require standard parking spaces to be a minimum of eight feet wide and 18 to 20-feet long. Parking lot space size is a minimum of 425 square feet per car.
Following discussion from commission members, it was determined half a city block would not accommodate 200 parking spaces.
"These aren't my rules," said Garrett., "These are city zoning regulations."
At press time, church officials have not made any announcements regarding rebuilding plans.
