Board of Zoning Appeals will consider whether a house can be used as a temple
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| The Goddess of Heaven Temple. [DPZ] |
This story has been updated. Scroll to the end.
The Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to consider
at its Jan. 9 meeting whether the Goddess of Heaven Temple, a Buddhist place of
worship, should be allowed to remain in a converted residential structure at
3309 Magnolia Ave. in Bailey’s Crossroads.
A staff report from the Department of Planning and Zoning
says the temple is consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and meets
the standard for permits – as long as it complies with certain development
conditions:
- The maximum seating capacity of both buildings on the
property should not exceed 32. - The hours of operation should be limited to 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
daily. - Luncheons should be limited to twice a month and should be
limited to a maximum of 32 people. - Seminars and workshops should be limited to four times a
month and no more than eight people at any one time. - There can be no more than two special events, parties, or
festivals a year, and the number of people at those events inside the buildings
cannot exceed the fire marshal’s capacity limitations.
The Department of Code Compliance ruled in March 2017 that the
owner of the property, David Quang, violated the zoning ordinance by operating
a place of worship in an R-3 (residential) zoning district without a special permit.
incomplete and thus was not accepted by the county. Rather than resubmit a permit
application, he withdrew the application and applied for building permits to
add a second level to the house and expand the detached workshop without
stating the property would be used as a place of worship. Those building
permits were approved.
(DCC) in January 2017 alleging that a place of worship was in operation and
that 30 to 40 vehicles were parked on the property.
being used for religious purposes and drew about 30 to 60 people on
twice-monthly lunar celebrations on weekdays and more than 100 on weekends.
Both buildings were also used for education, yoga, and tai chi.
table set up for prayer and guidance in the temple (the former garage). The living room in the former residence was set up
with tables and chairs with seating for 60 people. The two building permits
were subsequently revoked as it was determined that the proposed construction
would be used for commercial purposes, rather than residential uses as the
applicant had stated.
continuing to operate and 77 people were on site on July 8, 2017.
Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals, but the appeal was denied
on October 11, 2017.
the existing converted residential structures as a place of worship.
the premises, will provide security and will open and close the facility for
visitors. Quang also agreed to widen the driveway and have at least eight
parking spaces.
UPDATE, Jan. 11: The Board of Zoning Appeals voted Jan. 9 to approve a special permit for the Goddess of Heaven Temple, with a few minor modifications, reports Brent Krasner of the Department of Planning and Zoning.
The temple had previously agreed to provide satellite parking at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church during twice-yearly festivals. If those festivals occur on a Sunday, the temple must provide parking at an alternative site.
The temple cannot operate as a place of worship until it gets new building permits that meet the county’s commercial standards and the buildings pass inspection.
Such roudy Buddhists* with all their silent meditation. Compassionate presence is so disruptive. ��♀️
Writing as a Buddhist, calling this a house of "worship" is a gross misunderstanding of Buddhism. Buddhists practice together as a way of fostering community among people with similar beliefs and also to learn about the teachings. But Buddhists do not "worship" anyone.
What's disheartening is that there is very little space in our community for new organizations like this to establish within the expected developmental plans, much less grow. Property is very expensive. It's really sad that the county can't find a way for religeous practioners who don't have the big coffers of the mega churches to find a place of peace to practice.
We have building codes for good reasons, to keep people safe. It the building burned down and there were fatalities everyone would be pointing fingers at the County for failing to do their job. There are plenty of vacant storefronts in Mason, move the temple to one of those locations. This is not a third world country, I wish these recently settled immigrants would stop trying to make it one. Its this kind of behavior that grows dissent amongst long term American citizens and metastizes into Trumpism. And that is not a good outcome for anyone.
This is where I have a problem.
Rather than resubmit a permit application, he withdrew the application and applied for building permits to add a second level to the house and expand the detached workshop without stating the property would be used as a place of worship. Those building permits were approved.
Of course they were approved! He lied about what he was doing!
We can not continue to allow this to happen! Rules and codes are put into place for a reason. DENY!!
Where are all of these disciples parking? 100 people? Oh hell no. The BZA is a complete joke, but I really hope that they will deny this one.
Can I call my residence a house of worship and then not pay property taxes too?
I've seen this happen before – getting a negative reply to a proposition that was incomplete (did he "forget" to say what the building was to be used for?), then circumventing the process by submitting another application but lying. Now trying to get grandfathered in since it has been built. NO!! That is what codes and regulations are for. And if is approved it will set a precedent. He should be heavily fined and made to cease and desist using it as a place of worship.
Live by the rules. I certainly would not want to be their next door neighbor. Denying this permit is the best decision.
Let me reiterate, move your temple to the vacant GH Greggs where there is an abundance of parking. This is totally disrespectful to the neighbors. What kind of Buddhist is this that he had no regard for the folks that live around him.
Thank you all for the racist (git out r countree!) point of view. Now for some reasonable alternatives.
This is not racist nonsense. Your comment however is hateful and scapegoating an individual that is not following the laws. Any good church/temple abiding citizen would know better. In my mind that calls into question the sincerity of his faith and this temple of worship.