Commission backs comprehensive-plan amendment and rezoning for River of Life Church expansion

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a comprehensive-plan amendment and rezoning for River of Life Church to permit an expansion at 1901 South Trinity Street.

Lisa Hannon told the commission the church’s applications seek to change land use from the current compact-neighborhood designation to a community-commercial designation to accommodate a main sanctuary, multipurpose community rooms, administrative offices and parking. The site is roughly 5+ acres; the church owns an adjacent lot to the north that will be combined through subsequent platting steps. Hannon said the proposed change is consistent with the City of Decatur 2050 comprehensive plan because the plan’s secondary land uses allow civic and institutional uses.

Commissioners asked whether the church already owned the northern lot; staff confirmed ownership and noted this comprehensive-plan amendment is the first of several concurrent applications (rezoning, preliminary and final plats). Commissioner Will Clossey moved to recommend approval of the comprehensive-plan change; Commissioner Terry Barubi seconded and the motion passed. The rezoning (ZC 25-00002) to reclassify the combined property to thoroughfare business (C-2) also was recommended to council (motion by Commissioner John Moneer; second Shelby Hicks; motion carries).

The commission approved the associated preliminary and final plats for River of Life Church and First United Methodist Church as part of the consent agenda. Staff said 13 property owners were notified for the River of Life items and no written responses were received. The rezoning and plan amendment will proceed to city council for final action alongside the plats.