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Commission recommends expanding where places of worship are allowed in Verona zoning code
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to recommend a zoning-text amendment (section 13-1-1105) that would list places of worship as permitted uses in selected commercial and office districts to let existing congregations operate or expand in commercial areas.
The Verona Planning Commission on Aug. 3 recommended the Common Council approve a zoning-text amendment to allow places of worship as permitted uses in additional commercial and office zoning districts.
Planner Severson explained that the current ordinance permits places of worship in rural and residential districts but not in commercial or office districts. He said the requested change would list places of worship as a permitted use in suburban commercial, central commercial, neighborhood office and suburban office districts so that existing congregations could operate and expand in commercial areas.
Commissioner Swanson moved the recommendation; it was seconded and passed by voice vote. Commissioners who spoke characterized the flexibility as good for the city and beneficial to places of worship. The amendment now goes to the Common Council for formal consideration.
If adopted by the council, the change would alter how the zoning matrix treats institutional uses in the named districts; applicants seeking expansions in those districts would no longer need special-use approvals for that use type. The staff packet and ordinance language should be consulted for exact code language and any transitional provisions.
