STUART, Fla. -- County commissioners will listen to debate over whether they should rescind a change in the Martin County zoning code that limits the size of churches and temples built on residential streets to 5,000 square feet.
According to a report in The Palm Beach Post, the change was approved last year because of concerns about church traffic overwhelming residential streets.
The code allows for larger churches on major roadways, but several religious leaders said the code made it nearly impossible for them to find land for new buildings. The county zoning board recommended the code be rescinded.
The newspaper reported that some commissioners agree the law might be too restrictive, but others say some limit on the size of worship centers in residential area is needed.
"Churches have become more than places of worship," commissioner Doug Smith said. "Churches have become entertainment centers. They've turned into classrooms. Some have soup kitchens…. When you grow into a complex, that's where you get into trouble."
