Commission recommends approval of Truth Baptist Church special permit amendment in Bealton

The Fauquier County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve an amendment to a Category 6 special permit for Truth Baptist Church, located at 6528 Covington's Corner Road in Bealton.

Cara Marshall, planning staff, said the property is approximately 6 acres and zoned agriculture. A special permit for a minor place of worship was approved in November 2020 and a required site plan was approved in March 2022. The amendment request seeks a reduction in required landscaping and a revised planting layout, the addition of a 12-by-20-foot shed, and a reduction in the size of the church building and corresponding parking. Marshall said the proposal continues to meet the zoning ordinance’s canopy requirements and that the zoning administrator may approve minor landscape modification requests during the site plan process.

David Childish, a trustee of Truth Baptist Church, spoke for the applicant and described construction challenges, saying, “This church is built on a rock.” He said bedrock on the lot increased construction costs and complicated landscaping and stormwater work.

Staff recommended conditions to reflect the existing site development, including limiting the property to church and incidental uses (no school, daycare or athletic facilities), a maximum of 192 attendees at any one time, parking limited to areas shown on the special permit plat, required screening of parking and loading areas, and that activities cease by 10 p.m. The conditions also cover lighting, signage and required permits during the site plan process.

Commissioners moved and seconded a recommendation forwarding the amended special permit to the Board of Supervisors for approval; the motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition during the meeting. The Board of Supervisors will make the final decision.