Submitted By: Patricia Z. Hitchcock
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Presentation By: Patricia Z. Hitchcock
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve request from Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Ocala, Inc., for waiver of application fees not exceeding $3000 for Special Exception approval and related site permitting fees for building addition at 612 NW 4th Place.
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place.
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Ocala, Inc., has existed at 612 NW 4th Place since prior to 1930. It currently has a Future Land Use designation of Neighborhood and is zoned R-2, Two-Family Residential. The church/place of worship use is allowed as a Special Exception in R-2 zone. A special exception is defined as a use that would not be appropriate generally or without restriction throughout the zoning division or district, but which, if controlled as to number, area, location or relation to the neighborhood, would promote the public health, safety, welfare, morals, order, comfort, convenience, prosperity or general welfare.
A records search has identified Special Exception grants in similar situations, but one has not been approved for this facility. Without approval of a Special Exception, the subject church is considered a continuing, nonconforming use that may continue but may not be expanded. A building addition is proposed to accommodate the organization’s community outreach and support programs. The expansion requires approval of a Special Exception and related site permitting.
Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Ocala, Inc., requests waiver of application fees not exceeding $3000.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Section 122-151 of the Code of Ordinances allows City Council to waive fees in a case of hardship by the petitioner where the imposition of fees are found to be unreasonable. In the past, City Council has approved waiving case/site related fees for non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, the Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center, and Saving Mercy.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed impact would be to the General Fund (Account No. 001-341-000-000-02-34121). At this time, staff is recommending that the fees be waived.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny