A church has been holding its meetings in a business park in contravention of its zoning, but are now asking to continue meeting there temporarily until a permanent location is found.
Foursquare Gospel Church has owned a unit in an industrial business park – on No. 5 Road in Ironwood - since 2004, holding youth meetings and dinners there on Friday evenings as well as church meetings on Sunday mornings.
They are asking Richmond city council for a three-year temporary permit to continue their “bible study” groups at the industrial location.
The property is zoned for industrial business park, but church activities are supposed to take place in properties zoned “religious assembly."
The fact church meetings were being held at the business park was brought to the attention of the city in November 2019.
In a report to city council’s planning committee, city staff explain the church is looking for a permanent location to hold its meetings, which are attended by between five and 35 people.
Foursquare Gospel Church, known in Richmond as “Richmond Christian Fellowship,” advertises its meetings online at the business park.
The church describes itself online as “inter-denominational” led by “Pastor Kevin Preston (Rev Kev) and his beautiful wife Jennifer (who) are passionate about loving people.”
