Commissioners begin drafting zoning rules for churches after pastor flags potential site purchase

Planning staff told the Commission that Hanover’s Zoning Ordinance currently does not explicitly provide for churches or religious institutions and recommended creating provisions that could vary by attendance to address traffic and site impacts.

Planner Cindy Nash described a two‑tier model used by other cities: smaller congregations would be allowed in designated districts while congregations with attendance above a specified threshold (for example, 250 or more) would require a conditional‑use permit to address traffic congestion and other impacts. Nash asked commissioners to consider which zoning districts should allow churches and what thresholds and conditions would be appropriate.

Pastor Catalin Dima of Influence Church said his congregation has been discussing a potential purchase of a commercial parcel on County Road 20, which prompted commissioners to agree on drafting ordinance language that would allow religious institutions in commercial and certain industrial districts, and to return with draft language for further review.

No formal vote was taken; the item was directed to staff for ordinance drafting and future discussion at an upcoming meeting.