North Las Vegas briefs for May 23, 2002

Thursday, May 23, 2002 | 9:19 a.m.

Church allowed in business area

The North Las Vegas Planning Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday night to amend zoning to allow a church in an office complex.

The commission approved a special use permit for the House Deliverance Ministering Team of Christ Church at 4116 W. Craig Road in a commercial zone.

The city's planning staff recommended that the council deny the request because the church building is only 10 feet from nearby residences, where a 50-foot buffer is required.

The council restricted the permit to the existing church, which has a lease for two more years, and prohibited outdoor activities.

The planning unit development change will automatically go to the City Council for final approval.

Converted garages will be allowed

Based on a resident's request, the North Las Vegas Planning Commission amended an ordinance that allows homeowners to convert garages in older neighborhoods to living quarters without meeting off-street parking requirements.

North Las Vegas has required all homes that have garages to use them for parking cars and storage.

The council unanimously voted to allow garage conversions in mature neighborhoods. New homes are still required to have a garage.

Frank C. Brown of North Las Vegas said he was interested in converting his garage to liveable space. He said he had 50 feet of driveway available and would not park in the street.