by Anna C.
We have now entered a new phase of the project that moves us forward in the process of obtaining the permits and puts us closer to the start of the building phase.
The big news is that our architect and civil engineer have submitted the application package for special permit to the Fairfax County. The special permit is an additional process we have to go through due to the fact that we will do construction work on a church building (commercial occupancy) that is located in a residential zoning district. The application has the thickness of a book and represents a complex undertaking. The process to date has taken months of measuring, surveying, and adjusting the design; many meetings with the county officials that involved back-and-forth discussions and corrected versions of the application to incorporate their comments.
We still have a long road ahead, but the steps are clear and carefully planned:
- The special permit application process: it takes about 3 months for the review and approval process to be completed, during which time the architect and civil engineer will receive comments from the county staff and may have amendments to incorporate.
- The public hearing: it will take place as part of the special permit review process in order to give neighbors the opportunity to discuss the impact of the project on their property and raise any possible objections they may have. It is hence important to use the next month to present our case to neighbors and garner their support. Approval of our current application signifies approval of the concept proposed and of our intention to build.
- Input from and approval of design by the Parish’s General Assembly
- Site Plan Approval: after the special permit application is approved, the next phase is to submit another drawing package with a more detailed site plan design, which will incorporate the final layout for storm water management, traffic control, landscape. This phase may take up to 4 months.
- The Building Permit: To begin building, we then must obtain a permit for the design of the fellowship hall expansion itself. The architect will provide a set of drawings that will detail the building plans, elevations and sections. This process may take an additional 2-3 months.
- Estimates: once we will have specific, detailed project data, we will be able to obtain bids from contractors and, hence, develop a reliable budget and business case.
- Fundraising: Information-sharing with parishioners and solicitation of support.
It could be a year or more before we break ground, but every step will be precise and transparent. We'll need to continue practicing patience and an ongoing commitment, so that the flame of our vision and dedication is not extinguished.
