Commission approves SUP for Episcopal congregation at 210 Brand Lane after discussion about parking and neighboring gun range

The Stafford Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved a specific use permit for a religious institution to occupy a front suite at 210 Brand Lane, following staff presentation, remarks from the applicants, and a public comment from a neighboring business.

Planning staff described the site as a multi-suite commercial structure and said the proposed church would occupy the front suite. Staff said the proposed use complies with on-site parking rules as presented, noting a standard of one parking space for every four fixed seats in an auditorium and that handicapped parking and other calculations would be confirmed during building permit review. Staff recommended approval.

Applicants Vincy Jacob and Reverend Roy Verghese of the Episcopal Church told commissioners the congregation in Stafford numbers about “25 to 30 or 35 folks that come regularly,” that Sunday morning is the busiest service time, and that the church had arranged access to about 20 additional overflow parking spaces from neighboring properties if needed. Jacob said some neighboring tenants—such as a furniture storage company—have minimal deliveries and the site is among other religious institutions along Brand Lane.

Jason Short, president and CEO of the Texas Gun Club at 206 Brand Lane, addressed the commission during the public hearing. He said the business had no objection to the church’s presence but wanted the church to be aware the gun range is next door and that the range’s operating hours are “generally set from 11AM to 8PM.” Short said the range is a public indoor shooting range and that law enforcement is sometimes given earlier access; he asked that the church consider federal legal implications if the church were to operate as a school.

During discussion commissioners and staff clarified that ordinary religious education or occasional classes do not automatically qualify a use as a “school” under distance restrictions, and that day care was not proposed and the suite is not configured for daycare functions. Planning staff emphasized that any requirements for sprinklers, handicap spaces, or other building-code items would be determined by the building official, fire marshal and code enforcement during the permit process.

A commissioner moved to approve the application as presented; another commissioner seconded. The chair called the vote; no members opposed and the motion carried.

The commission’s approval is a recommendation; the congregation and property owner must complete the building-permit and certificate-of-occupancy process before changes to occupancy or use take effect.