CityRise seeks permit to expand Bel Air campus; neighbors cite flood, lighting and parking concerns

CityRise Church representatives presented plans to the Planning & Zoning Commission on July 9 seeking a specific use permit to increase lot coverage to 74% at 4601 Bel Air Boulevard, a property in the R-3 residential district.

"We're going to handle that water and keep it there," said Craig Ward, the church's owner's representative, describing an engineered underground detention system the church says will capture runoff from the expanded outdoor amenities. Senior Pastor Roger Patterson said the intent is to link the youth building and renovated campus with park-like green space and to remove the existing visible detention pond.

Neighbors, however, urged caution. Thomas Golden, who lives adjacent to the church property, asked the commission to deny the permit, citing his experience with flooding during Hurricane Harvey and noting the site's current lot coverage is already about 64.9% and would rise under the proposal. "Adding more structures to combine with a large parking lot coverage will impact the drainage in the area to the extent that flood risk will increase," Golden said.

City staff told the commission that places of worship in R-3 zoning are limited to 50% lot coverage by right but may seek an SUP to increase coverage up to 75%. Staff also explained that detailed drainage, lighting and setback plans will be reviewed through the city's permitting and engineering review if the SUP is approved.

The public hearing remains open for written comments through August 6; the commission will continue deliberations and a final recommendation to city council is expected at the next meeting.