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Sparr United Methodist Church cleared to add four RV spaces for volunteer accommodations
Summary
The board approved a special-use permit allowing Sparr United Methodist Church to install four RV hookups to house out-of-area volunteers, with limitations including two events per year and no utility hookups beyond power.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a special-use permit on March 17 permitting Sparr United Methodist Church to install four RV spaces with electrical hookups on a 1.07-acre portion of church property in the farmland preservation area.
Kathleen Bagnoli of Growth Services presented case 250301SU and said staff and Planning & Zoning recommended approval with conditions. The church sought the permit to provide free, short-term accommodations for out-of-area volunteers who assist with church and community projects. The presenter said the parcel is commercially classified in county records and sits in the Northeast Jacksonville Road corridor; staff noted the proposed spaces would face the road and that trips would be limited to a maximum of eight annually (in/out for two events with up to four RVs).
Commissioners sought clarification on notice and triggers for the two allowed events per year. Staff said the applicant must give written notice to Growth Services when they intend to use one of the two annual allowances and that the two events are counted regardless of whether one or four RVs are present. Jill Stevens, representing Sparr United Methodist Church, said the church typically hosts nomad volunteer groups in March and reserves the second event for emergencies such as natural disasters. Stevens asked whether a couple of days’ written notice to Growth Services would suffice; staff agreed that short notice or a phone call was adequate for administrative tracking.
Public comment included support from nearby resident Marcy H. Armstrong, who described the church as an asset to the neighborhood. Commissioner Stone moved approval with Commissioner Zalick seconding; the motion passed unanimously. Conditions include limiting the use to two events per year, no utility connections beyond power through Duke Energy, and adherence to photometric and buffering requirements if future lighting is proposed.
The applicant may next pursue building permits for electrical work and must follow site conditions and county permitting rules.
