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Oconee County Planning Commission backs Bethlehem Baptist Church special-use modification
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Summary
The Oconee County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval April 20 to modify a special-use permit so Bethlehem Baptist Church can add adjacent property and bring an underecorded 2008 family life center up to current building and architectural standards; the recommendation will go to the Board of Commissioners for final action.
The Oconee County Planning Commission on April 20 voted to recommend approval of a modification to special-use permit P260028 that would add an adjacent parcel to the community-scale church property and require code and architectural upgrades.
Planning department staff told commissioners the request would combine parcels A02027A and 029B, and that staff recommended conditional approval with three standard conditions plus specific requirements: recordation of a recombination plat, compliance with current building and fire codes for a family life center started in 2008 (the expired building permit number is 52923, issued 08/26/2008), and architectural upgrades to meet the county's unified development code.
Luke Morton, of Precision Planning Inc., who said he was representing Bethlehem Baptist Church, told the commission the church intends to purchase the adjacent parcel to expand parking and use an existing residential structure. “We’re trying to get approved to purchase the adjacent parcel to expand the existing church,” Morton said, adding that the recombination survey is complete and that architects are assessing what improvements will be required to bring the family life center into compliance.
A planning staff member said the family life center, which was constructed without a completed occupancy process, will need to meet current standards; the existing church building, the staff member added, was previously issued a certificate of occupancy and is grandfathered from those same exterior upgrades. A commissioner asked whether the family life center’s metal exterior would have to be replaced with materials consistent with the unified development code; staff replied that the family life center will need to meet current architectural standards.
After closing public comment—no members of the public spoke in opposition—the commission moved to a vote. Commissioners raised hands in favor of the staff-recommended conditions and the motion passed by the members present. The commission’s favorable recommendation will be forwarded to the Oconee County Board of Commissioners for final consideration.
