Council approves rezoning for Flint Hill Church after public hearing; church asks for fee waiver

Alexander City Council voted on July 7 to rezone approximately 4.92 acres for Flint Hill Church from R-1 (low-density residential) to B-2 (general business) after a public hearing during which a church representative asked the council to waive rezoning fees.

John Hill, speaking for the congregation, told the council the church has occupied the site since 1851 and that members discovered in 2016 their property had been rezoned. "Flint Hill has been on that corner since 1851 and we have been burying people there since probably before 1851," Hill said. He asked the council to "consider us, with grace and not charge us the fees that are associated with the rezoning process."

Council staff explained the fees include planning commission and newspaper-advertising costs required to set hearings and to publish the ordinance if adopted. During the exchange, staff said the planning commission process and associated fees occur before the council hearing and that advertising costs are a substantial part of the fees.

Council members asked staff for a breakdown of the fees and for additional research into how the property was placed in R-1 zoning in 2016. Staff said they would provide more detail about the process and fee components.

The council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance to rezone the 4.92 acres to B-2 in a roll-call vote in which Councilor Phillips, Councilor Tapley, Councilor Eric Brown, Council President Pro Tem Chris Brown and the chair voted yes.

Earlier in the meeting, staff had opened a public hearing on the matter and heard Hill's remarks before the council acted on the ordinance. Council members discussed that consolidating lots and required advertisements are part of the permit and rezoning process; staff said advertising frequency and cost vary depending on notices required.

The council said staff will follow up with a clearer accounting of the fees and a review of the property's zoning history.