Red Oak commissioners approve church relocation inside Red Oak Business Park

The Red Oak Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 4 approved a zoning change that will let Believer City Church relocate to a different suite within Red Oak Business Park, the chair announced after a unanimous voice vote.

Staff told commissioners the church is a legal nonconforming use that was removed from the list of permitted uses during a prior zoning rewrite; approval of the planned-development amendment will allow the church to obtain a certificate of occupancy to move into Suites 1701–1704 without increasing seating or parking requirements. "If this is approved, they'd be able to get a CO to move into Suites 1701 through 1704," staff said during the public hearing.

Dan Evneri, representing the property's prospective new owners, told the commission the purchase contract is contingent on approval. "If this gets denied, we'll have to not continue with buying the property," Evneri said, adding the group plans landscaping, repainting, a playground and tenant improvements to make the center a stronger retail destination.

Christopher Fagan, pastor of Believer City Church, spoke in favor of the relocation and said the congregation has been at the center for five years. "For a church, heaven front really doesn't matter to us," Fagan said, adding the move would allow an additional three years on the lease beyond the roughly two years remaining and help the congregation expand community activities.

Commissioners discussed the request as largely administrative because churches had been removed from the permitted-use list in the past and noted parking requirements will not change. After discussion, a motion to approve the zoning amendment was made and the chair announced the item approved.

The approved change addresses case ZAsInZebraCAsInCat24-20, requested by Steve Zimmerman. Staff recommended approval and the commission accepted the recommendation.