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Planning commission approves special exception for small church at 1160 County Line Road
Summary
The commission approved a special exception to allow weekly church services and a Bible study for Family Worship Center Ministries on a 5.08‑acre former residence at 1160 County Line Road, subject to staff conditions including a fire inspection, protections for nearby wetlands and parking requirements.
The Spalding County Planning Commission on Nov. 25 approved a special exception allowing Family Worship Center Ministries to hold weekly services and a Bible study at 1160 County Line Road.
Michael Bew, who identified himself as the applicant, said the congregation is small (about 7–15 attendees on typical Sundays) and that the church bought the former parsonage to re‑establish indoor services interrupted by the COVID‑era decline.
Staff recommended approval with conditions: (1) inspect the building for fire safety before conversion from a residence to a place of assembly, (2) ensure no disturbance to wetlands west of the property if changes are made, and (3) subject any expansion or modification to additional parking requirements. Staff calculated parking using gross floor area and reported 11 spaces as the best fit for the site.
Commissioners asked whether services would be indoors (the applicant said yes) and inquired about sign size limits in a residential zone; staff said any sign allowance would be smaller than in commercial zones and would be clarified with the applicant. A commissioner moved to approve with staff conditions; the motion was seconded and passed with no opposition.
Staff noted the usual procedural step that zoning items also proceed to the Board of Commissioners, and the planning staff will coordinate any remaining conditions with the applicant.
