After over a month of controversy and meetings, city commissioners passed an ordinance 6-1 Monday night bringing Gainesville into compliance with a federal law.
In addition to fulfilling an order by the U.S. Department of Justice to comply with the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, the ordinance increases the minimum lot size for any new churches built in residential zones to an acre per 100 members.
Commissioner Jack Donovan, who voted against the ordinance, said he favored a more detailed breakdown of lot-size requirements for churches of less than 100 people and suggested nine possible formulas at the meeting.
The commission chose to adopt the ordinance in the interest of meeting federal requirements as quickly as possible but will continue to discuss alternative options for lot-size requirements in committee. Also to be discussed is neighborhood compatibility and regulations for churches that provide overnight shelter.
