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Council approves conditional use permit allowing Tombstone congregation to relocate and lease space for worship in Cochise Plaza
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Summary
The First Baptist Church of Tombstone will lease two suites at Cochise Vista Plaza and operate as Shout Church Inc. The council approved a conditional use permit to allow a place of worship in the commercial plaza; staff found parking and traffic impacts are manageable.
The Sierra Vista City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit April 10 to allow the First Baptist Church of Tombstone congregation—reestablished as Shout Church Inc.—to lease two suites (108 and 109) at 2151 South Highway 92 in Cochise Vista Plaza for worship services and a children’s religious-education program.
Staff said places of worship require a conditional use permit in all zoning districts and that the shopping-center site has adequate parking (approximately 126 spaces) to meet the 29-space minimum required for the congregation’s expected needs. Staff also noted the center has a significant vacancy rate (about 47% as of the September business inventory) and that the church’s tenancy could help reduce vacancies and support plaza viability.
Operations described by the applicant include Sunday worship (typical 9 a.m. to noon) and weekday bible study evenings; staff used the ITE trip-generation manual to estimate fewer than 46 vehicle trips on Sundays for the church and said Frontage Road and State Route 92 can accommodate that traffic. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended unanimous approval, and the plaza owner submitted a letter of support attached to the record. Council approved the CUP without recorded opposition in the meeting transcript.
