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Commission grants temporary gravel-parking exception to Renovation Church, extends deadline to 36 months
Summary
The commission approved a special-exception request allowing temporary engineered gravel parking on two lots adjacent to Renovation Church near FM 663, subject to engineering design and a 36-month limit for the alternative pavement.
The Midlothian Planning & Zoning Commission approved a special exception allowing two adjacent lots south of Renovation Church on FM 663 to be used for temporary gravel parking, subject to engineering requirements and a time limit extended to 36 months.
Staff said the subdivision ordinance requires concrete parking but allows the commission to grant a temporary alternative pavement if certain conditions are met. Staff recommended denial because the ordinance generally requires concrete; the applicant explained the church had experienced rapid growth and needs interim parking while a new worship center is built behind the current facility.
Pastor Tim Hale of Renovation Church told commissioners the donated two-acre parcel provides space for about 200 vehicles and will allow the church to maintain Sunday services and other programs while construction proceeds. “We have about 200 cars behind that building currently every Sunday across three services,” Hale said. Church-member and resident David Hurst explained the temporary gravel area will be used only while the new facility is under construction and the church intends to return with a rezoning or permanent paving plan if it becomes a long-term site.
Commissioners discussed conditions for a temporary exception. The commission approved the exception with staff conditions requiring that the gravel pavement be engineered by a licensed engineer to a standard that can withstand the prescribed loads and that the temporary pavement not exceed a 36-month period (staffs original timeline had been 24 months). The motion included staff notes about design and a requirement that the pavement be replaced or formalized if the church did not complete construction within the time limit.
The commission's action allows the church to use the two-acre parcel for interim parking while construction proceeds, subject to engineered pavement design and a firm time limit. The church said it expects to obtain building permits and begin construction within weeks, with a project timeline that could take about a year to complete depending on schedules and fundraising.
