Temple Baptist representatives tell Clute council building is grandfathered; staff says refile SUP, inspections required

Representatives of Temple Baptist Church told the Clute City Council on Oct. 25 that the church’s 1950s sanctuary at 730 South Main Street should be treated as a grandfathered, lawful use and therefore not be subject to retroactive retrofit requirements that could force the congregation to close.

The church’s representatives, including an attorney and members identified in the meeting as Angelica Velez and Crystal Marzine, said the building was lawful when constructed and that retroactive enforcement of sprinkler or other interior fire-suppression requirements would impose an unaffordable cost. “A new sprinkler system would be at least $500,000,” one presenter said, adding that such a bill “would shut our doors down completely.” The delegation also cited Texas Local…