The Stafford Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 11 recommended approval of a specific-use permit to allow Dominion Chapel to expand its existing church at 1203 Cravens Road.

Planning staff presented a site mock-up and told commissioners the project would enlarge portions of the building on the northeast and southwest sides. "Staff recommends approval," planning staff said during the presentation. Staff noted the zoning is mixed-use but that religious institutions proceed through the SUP process regardless of zoning.

Commissioners pressed staff on stormwater and accessibility. One commissioner asked, "it's going to be putting more cement on the ground which will have some sort of impact on drainage; what are they going to do to mitigate any of that?" Planning staff replied, "The drainage requirements will be calculated once the plan review process goes forward. We have spoken with the city engineer already, and he doesn't see any issues with the drainage going forward. But again, that'll be calculated, once it goes through the plan review process." Staff also said handicap parking "will always be accounted for" and that pre-development review indicated there is sufficient parking.

No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. A commissioner moved to recommend approval and another commissioner seconded; the motion carried. The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council, which has the final decision on the SUP.