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Commission OKs planned-development zoning for downtown religious campus area
Summary
The commission approved a planned development rezoning covering about 29 acres in the Plymouth addition to create a campus-style central business district standard for several religious campuses, including provisions for unlimited height and 100% lot coverage with applicable building and fire-code separations.
The Emerald Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 20 to rezone roughly 29 acres in the Plymouth addition downtown to a planned development district so religious campuses can pursue campus‑style redevelopment using central business district development standards.
Planner Brady told commissioners the request would adopt Central Business District standards—such as maximum lot coverage up to 100 percent, unlimited building height and 0‑foot setbacks as a baseline—while retaining applicable building‑code and fire‑separation requirements. The change is intended to provide consistent standards for additions and upgrades across campuses for First Baptist Church, Baptist Community Services and the Central Church of Christ.
Commissioners asked whether existing downtown design variances (DAWS) would apply; Brady said DAWS is a separate process and the rezoning would not change that. Commissioner Cindy complimented staff on assembling the approach, saying it would help investors and planning in the area. "I think this is kind of a unique approach, and I'd like to compliment staff on getting all that work done," Cindy said.
Staff also said the planned development would keep some properties on the western edge limited to Multiple Family District 2 land uses to protect nearby single‑family homes and that the request aligns with the city plan's neighborhood mixed use and neighborhood low categories. A motion to approve was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
