Planning board backs rezoning to allow church at 1110 East Lizzie Street, recommends council approval

The Selma Planning Board voted to recommend that the Town Council approve a rezoning of 1110 East Lizzie Street from I-1 (industrial) to R-8 (residential) to allow Iglesia Casa del Aferrero to develop a church on the 4.12-acre parcel.

Town planning staff presented the request and said the applicant, listed as William Arriaga and the property owner Iglesia Casa del Aferrero, intends to relocate from a temporary Clayton location to the Selma site. Staff said churches are not permitted in I-1 but are permitted in residential zones and argued the change would align with Objective 12.3 of the town's comprehensive plan by encouraging attractive development that could draw new residents and visitors.

The board moved and seconded a pair of motions: first that the rezoning request is consistent with the land-use plan, and second to recommend that the Town Council approve the rezoning. Both motions passed with affirmative votes. Planning staff entered the staff report and supporting documents into the record.

Board members asked whether the proposed church would reduce the intensity of industrial development near existing residences and noted the site is partly in a flood zone; staff confirmed the applicant had provided location maps and flood-zone information in the packet. The board clarified that its action is only a recommendation and that the Town Council will make the final decision.

The recommendation now proceeds to the Town Council for final action; staff noted the applicant has additional permitting steps to complete if the council approves the rezoning.