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Planning commissioners approve Catholic Newman Center expansion with condition to limit backyard parking
Summary
The San Angelo Planning Commission approved a conditional-use permit allowing a Catholic Newman Center branch to use a single-family house at 2452 Douglas Drive as a faith-based gathering place, but added a condition requiring alternative parking arrangements and prohibiting converting the backyard into a permanent parking lot; the vote was 5–1.
The San Angelo Planning Commission voted 5–1 to approve a conditional-use permit for a faith-based gathering place at 2452 Douglas Drive, subject to a condition that requires the applicant to pursue alternatives to converting the property’s backyard into a parking lot.
Ray Lineberry, the city’s lead planner, told the commission that the request would allow an existing single-family residence to be used as a gathering space affiliated with the Catholic diocese and ASU’s campus ministry. Lineberry said staff sent 13 notices and received one in favor and two opposed, and that staff recommended approval provided the applicant submits a development plan or parking-lot permit and obtains all required permits, including a change of occupancy.
Neighbor Richard Brown, who lives at 2454 Douglas Drive, urged the commission to reject the change. Brown said the property has been “unmown in areas, overgrown in others,” that the backyard has a dilapidated fence and that a new parking lot would cause “loss of lawn and trees, more traffic, more noise, more exhaust fumes, more nighttime security lights.” He added, “No significant need has been demonstrated,” noting ASU’s existing parking and student facilities.
Commissioners pressed staff on the city’s parking standard — one space per 500 square feet — and whether on-street parking may count (staff: 50% may be on-street). The exchange focused on whether the applicant could meet the required on-site parking without converting the rear yard to asphalt. Staff advised that a change of occupancy will trigger a parking analysis through the permits process and suggested alternatives such as a circle drive, shared-parking agreements with adjacent lots, or use of existing parking on neighboring properties.
On the motion, commissioners approved the conditional use with an express condition that the backyard not be converted into a parking lot and that staff and the applicant pursue alternative parking configurations. Candy cast the lone vote in opposition; the motion otherwise passed 5–1.
Next steps: the applicant must supply the development/parking plan and secure required building permits and a change of occupancy before converting or constructing any parking on the property.
