Commission remands site-plan for 1030 North Murphy Road after safety and use questions

The City of Murphy Planning & Zoning Commission voted to remand to staff a site-plan application for property at 1030 and 1026 North Murphy Road (Case 2020) after commissioners and neighbors raised questions about occupant load, parking and whether the proposal qualifies as a religious use or a faith-based learning center.

Planner Reagan summarized the application as a site plan that would add a fire lane, 21 parking stalls and landscaping to an approximately 2.5-acre property currently containing two residential-style buildings. Reagan told the commission the north building is being used for gatherings and the south building has permits in for renovation; staff said impervious coverage would be about 16% and that no rezoning or increase in floor area was proposed. “We’ve sought to review this with a fire lane in place for safety,” Reagan said, noting the fire marshal and building official had not raised unresolved objections in staff review but that written comments can be provided.

Residents and designers pressed for more documentation. Homeowner Kristen Bewley said she learned of the proposal on social media and worried a new parking area would change neighborhood character and allow future expansion: “I think no plans for expansion today, but once you set a precedent … it changes the character of that neighborhood.” Registered interior designer Jenny Harden warned of code limits for assembly occupancy in a house used as a religious gathering space and urged the commission to consider safety risks.

The applicant’s representative, Rehan Bhati, described the proposal as a “faith-based learning center” focused on interfaith sessions and small enrollment programs and said the group expects “not more than, like, 50, 60 people at any given instant” and will obtain required permits for future work. Owner Mohammed Khan said improvements and added parking were aimed at safety and compliance.

Commissioners debated whether the commission could act on the use now or whether additional staff analysis and written input from the fire marshal and building official were needed. One commissioner noted the city’s site-plan ordinance does not require mailed notice, which contributed to concern among neighbors that they had not been informed. Commissioner (speaker 8) moved to remand the application to staff for clarification on the allowed use and details of future improvements and to return the item on Feb. 5; the motion was seconded by speaker 10 and passed on a voice vote.

The commission requested staff provide the documentation and clarifications discussed and scheduled the item for further review at the February 5 meeting.