Council grants variance allowing gravel parking for new Mount View Pentecostal Church

The Atoka City Council granted a variance to allow a gravel parking surface for Mount View Pentecostal Church's planned new facility, after the church's pastor said paving the entire lot was not within the congregation's current budget.

Pastor Justin Hayner told the council the congregation had spent more than $25,000 to revise construction plans and had obtained approvals for fire hydrants and other infrastructure, but remained unable to afford a fully paved parking lot at this time. He said the church would provide ADA‑accessible walkways and ensure access to the building for people with disabilities.

City staff and the city attorney discussed the permitting pathway and noted that, under the city's code, paved (concrete or asphalt) parking is required in commercial areas. The city attorney advised that a variance would normally go before the Planning & Zoning Commission; however, staff said scheduling and meeting logistics had delayed that process and presented the item to council for a one‑time variance. Councilors said they considered past situations and emphasized the need to ensure compaction and emergency access so first responders could operate safely on the site.

A motion to approve the variance passed unanimously in roll call votes. Councilors said the approval did not waive the church's obligation to meet ADA access and emergency-access requirements; staff will expect appropriate compaction and accessible walkways to be provided and inspected.

Pastor Hayner said the congregation hopes to pave the parking lot in the future when funds allow.