On September 26, 2024, the Town of Oro Valley hosted an open house to discuss the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s (OVCN) proposal to expand its facilities. Click here to learn more about OVCN, this request and the existing rezoning request.
Representatives from the town’s planning department—Bayer Vella, Kyle Packard, and Michael Spaeth—along with Paul Oland, representing OVCN, provided an overview of the project.
The height variance request has nothing to do with a pending zoning request
The focus of the meeting was OVCN’s request for a height variance to construct a new sanctuary. “This is a new application, separate from the previous rezoning proposal,” Spaeth said during the introduction.
But it’s more complicated than that: A new sanctuary and supporting buildings
The expansion project includes constructing a larger sanctuary, a student center, and a maintenance building. The sanctuary is the central feature, designed to accommodate the church’s growing congregation. “The proposed sanctuary is necessary to meet the growing needs of our church,” Oland explained. The student center and maintenance building will comply with the 18-foot height restriction set by zoning laws.
A height variance is being requested for the sanctuary building
OVCN is seeking a height variance to build the sanctuary up to 40 feet tall, exceeding the current zoning limit of 24 feet. They could have requested a height variance of up to 45 feet. The variance is necessary to accommodate the sanctuary’s internal design, which includes stadium-style seating to ensure clear sightlines.
Staff told residents told to "stay in their lane"
Spaeth and town staff emphasized that the height variance is the only element requiring town approval. All other components of the development—including the student center, maintenance building, and parking lot—are permitted uses under the current zoning. “Outside of the building height ask, everything else in this proposal is permitted by the zoning code.” Spaeth noted this several times, directing residents to focus on the variance as the sole issue up for discussion. The variance requires only the approval of the town's Planning and Zoning Commission
Paved parking lot site design
The project also includes a new parking lot to handle the increased number of attendees. The lot will feature landscape buffers, including trees and a solid wall, to minimize its visual impact on surrounding areas. “We’ve designed the parking lot with visual barriers in mind, ensuring it integrates well into the neighborhood,” said Oland. The lot will accommodate about 600 vehicles.
Church just keeps on growing
According to Oland, the expansion reflects the significant growth OVCN has experienced in recent years. The new sanctuary and additional facilities will enable the church to better serve its growing congregation while continuing to offer its existing ministries. “This project is a direct response to the blessings of growth we’ve experienced,” Oland added. He believes these additions will support the church’s future as it continues to expand its outreach.
But it’s more complicated than that: A new sanctuary and supporting buildings
The expansion project includes constructing a larger sanctuary, a student center, and a maintenance building. The sanctuary is the central feature, designed to accommodate the church’s growing congregation. “The proposed sanctuary is necessary to meet the growing needs of our church,” Oland explained. The student center and maintenance building will comply with the 18-foot height restriction set by zoning laws.
A height variance is being requested for the sanctuary building
OVCN is seeking a height variance to build the sanctuary up to 40 feet tall, exceeding the current zoning limit of 24 feet. They could have requested a height variance of up to 45 feet. The variance is necessary to accommodate the sanctuary’s internal design, which includes stadium-style seating to ensure clear sightlines.
Staff told residents told to "stay in their lane"
Spaeth and town staff emphasized that the height variance is the only element requiring town approval. All other components of the development—including the student center, maintenance building, and parking lot—are permitted uses under the current zoning. “Outside of the building height ask, everything else in this proposal is permitted by the zoning code.” Spaeth noted this several times, directing residents to focus on the variance as the sole issue up for discussion. The variance requires only the approval of the town's Planning and Zoning Commission
Paved parking lot site design
The project also includes a new parking lot to handle the increased number of attendees. The lot will feature landscape buffers, including trees and a solid wall, to minimize its visual impact on surrounding areas. “We’ve designed the parking lot with visual barriers in mind, ensuring it integrates well into the neighborhood,” said Oland. The lot will accommodate about 600 vehicles.
Church just keeps on growing
According to Oland, the expansion reflects the significant growth OVCN has experienced in recent years. The new sanctuary and additional facilities will enable the church to better serve its growing congregation while continuing to offer its existing ministries. “This project is a direct response to the blessings of growth we’ve experienced,” Oland added. He believes these additions will support the church’s future as it continues to expand its outreach.
Tomorrow: Residents get no real answer to why the facility needs to be 40' high
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