Pataskala BZA approves gravel parking lot for Philadelphia Baptist Church with conditions

The Pataskala Board of Zoning Appeals on June 10 approved a variance allowing Philadelphia Baptist Church to build a gravel off‑street parking lot on a separate lot adjacent to the church, with conditions to address city and county permitting and public‑service comments.

The variance is intended to allow a 90‑by‑90 gravel parking area providing 26 parking spaces on a vacant, roughly half‑acre lot south of the church at 250 West Avenue. City staff recommended conditions that the applicant address comments from the Public Service Department and obtain required permits from the City of Pataskala and the Licking County Building Code Department within one year.

Staff described the proposal as a 90x90 parking lot with a 28‑foot access to West Avenue, setbacks of 8 feet to the north, 53 feet east, 70 feet south and 0 feet to the west, a proposed center light, and no interior landscape islands. Scott, a planning staff member, said the applicant “believes that the gravel better conforms to the surrounding properties,” and noted outstanding plan details needed for permitting including fixture type and height for lighting, striping or edge definition for parking spaces, parking‑space dimensions and perimeter screening on the west side facing residential lots.

Reverend Leon Macon, who identified himself as representing Philadelphia Baptist Church, described current parking: “We've been parking. They are like 6 spaces right in front of the church and we've been parking there and when there's kinda like more people what they've been parking on the street.” He said the church had previously owned another lot across the street and that the proposed lot would make parking easier for congregants.

Board members reviewed the variance criteria. One member called the request substantial because it combines several variances (paving material, lot‑to‑lot parking, and interior/perimeter landscaping waivers) but concluded the proposal would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or impair adjacent properties. After discussion the board moved to approve the variance with the stated conditions; roll call recorded three affirmative votes and no oppositions.

The approval allows the church to proceed to the permitting stage; staff will confirm required design details (lighting specifications, parking stall markings, landscape screening and storm culvert requirements) during the parking‑lot permit review. If the applicant cannot meet code requirements during permitting, staff said the church may need to return to the BZA for additional variances.

The motion passed with the condition that the applicant address Public Service Department comments and obtain all required City of Pataskala and Licking County building permits within one year of approval.