Planning commission recommends approval of church conditional-use permit with 7-foot privacy fence and 10,000 sq ft cap

The Rolla Planning and Zoning Commission on May 13 recommended that City Council approve CUP25-01, a conditional-use permit to allow a church on a lot greater than one acre in the R-1, Suburban Residential district, with conditions requiring a 7-foot privacy fence along the development area and a limit of 10,000 square feet of construction.

At a public hearing opened by Chairperson Russell Schmidt, City Planner Tom Coots presented the staff report and commissioners discussed privacy landscaping, extending 18th Street to McCutchen Drive and exterior lighting for security. Property owner Robert Davis said he has invested personal funds to improve storm drains and will build the road from 18th Street to McCutchen Drive; "I have put a lot of my personal funds into the storm drains, widening McCutchen Drive and will also build the road from 18th to McCutchen Drive," he said, adding that a privacy fence would prevent headlights from shining into neighboring homes.

Several nearby residents opposed the proposed church location during the public comment period. Brandy Carr, of 1303 Eastwood Drive, said she would prefer residential housing on the lot because it is zoned R-1 and questioned whether existing storm drains could handle additional runoff; she also requested "at least a 6’ to 10’ barrier wall" and said she did not feel Rolla needed another church. Donna Riggs, of 1315 Eastwood Drive, said she opposed parking behind the church because of its proximity to her home and preferred parking in front of the building. Kelly Beisser, of 1305 Eastwood Drive, opposed a 4-foot hedge and asked that screening be increased to 8–10 feet; she also expressed traffic concerns.

Commissioners discussed buffer options and whether mature trees along the south property line were on neighboring lots. Resident Nick Meyers reported the trees appear to be on adjacent parcels. Josh Chapman, speaking for the church, said the congregation "does not want to be a detriment to the community" and thanked homeowners and the property owner for their input.

Commissioner Nathan Chirban moved and Commissioner Monte Shields seconded a motion recommending City Council approve the permit with the 7-foot privacy fence and a 10,000-square-foot construction limit. A roll call vote recorded ayes from Chirban, Crider, Jordan, Martin, Morris and Shields; nays: none; absent: Davis. The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.