Elgin commission approves church at 85 Market Street with 88-seat sanctuary

The Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission on March 2 approved a conditional-use application allowing the International Church of Foursquare Gospel to establish a church at 85 Market Street, including an 88-seat sanctuary, in a unanimous 7–0 vote.

Staff told commissioners the 21,000-square-foot property is zoned AB (area business) and that the proposed interior renovations — an 88-seat sanctuary and three smaller classrooms in the lower level — meet the standards for conditional use. Staff recommended approval subject to the conditions listed in the meeting packet. "We do have proof of proper notice," staff said during the presentation, and later reiterated, "staff recommends approval subject to the conditions in the packet."

Scott Richmond, representing the applicant, said the congregation currently has about 45 members at a smaller location on 601 Hill Avenue and expects to use the Market Street building to provide more room for children’s programming and future growth. Richmond said the church would hold Sunday services from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and weekday evening activities such as a Wednesday Bible study. He noted the congregation is currently well below the proposed sanctuary capacity. "We're not changing the existing footprint on the property or anything like that," Richmond said, describing interior renovations and limited exterior changes.

Commissioners asked about parking and special events. Staff explained the parking requirement is calculated from the number of seats in the sanctuary plus one space per employee; with one employee (the pastor) and an 88-seat sanctuary the requirement is 23 parking spaces, and staff confirmed the property has 23 spaces. Richmond said the church expects one annual anniversary event in October when attendance might reach 80–100 and that the applicant is exploring a one-day arrangement with the Jewel Osco across the street; if that cannot be arranged they would apply to the city for a special-events parking permit.

A commissioner moved to approve the petition "subject to the terms and conditions outlined in our packet," a second was recorded and staff called the roll. The measure passed 7–0. The chair closed the public-comment portion after no members of the public spoke. Staff and the applicant were advised to continue coordinating implementation details with city staff.

The approval allows the congregation to proceed with the interior renovations; any building permits required for construction and occupancy will be handled through the city's permit and inspection process.