Conducting proper due diligence before starting a new church design will avoid many headaches. In our previous post, we discussed the importance of assessing utilities and infrastructure. In this article, we’ll delve into zoning regulations, as well as what church leaders should be aware of before committing to a church building project. Zoning can present complex challenges but understanding it early can save you from unexpected costs and legal complications.
What’s Conditional Use?
One zoning concept that church leaders should be aware of is “conditional use.” This term refers to a situation where a structure may be allowed on a property, but only under specific conditions set by local zoning laws. Many cities classify churches as conditional use, meaning they can be built in certain zones, but you may need to meet additional regulations and approval processes. Sometimes a church may not be allowed at all.
Take commercial zones, for instance. Cities and municipalities depend on tax revenues generated by the businesses in these areas. Since churches are tax-exempt, they can be specifically prohibited from these zones. We once worked with a church that didn’t do thorough due diligence before they purchased a commercial building that they intended to convert into a church. They had to hire an attorney and go through a year-long rezoning process to get approval. The costs and time involved were significant!
Setbacks, Height Limits, and Lot Coverage
Beyond conditional use, zoning laws can also impose restrictions like setbacks, height limitations, and lot coverage. Setbacks determine how far buildings must be from property lines, which can limit where on the property your church building can be constructed. Height limits could affect your plans, for example, if your design includes an element like a tall steeple.
Then there are lot coverage regulations, which dictate the percentage of the land that can be developed. For example, you may find a large, appealing property that looks ideal for your new church building. However, a zoning code may limit construction to only a portion of that land. While a single-family house with a driveway might easily fit within those limits, a church building, along with its parking lot, could exceed the allowable lot coverage.
Parking and Flood Zone Considerations
Speaking of parking, it can also be an issue for church properties. Some jurisdictions have specific zoning requirements for the number of parking spaces per square foot of the church building. Failure to meet these parking requirements can lead to delays or even denials of building permits.
Flood zones are another factor that’s often overlooked. We’ve heard of situations where church leaders purchased a property, only to discover later that it sits in a flood plain. All these situations emphasize the need to conduct proper due diligence, but also remember that The McKnight Group can help you get through it.
In our next post, we will begin the discussion of building codes, another vital and often complex aspect of due diligence for any church building or renovation project. Meanwhile, be sure to register for one of our upcoming, and free, i3 webinars, where we discuss a range of important church design and building topics. Details are available on our website.