Kent County Regional Planning Commission Business Meeting – October 8, 2026

The Kent County Regional Planning Commission held a business meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Levy Court Chambers. The meeting was conducted in person and virtually via Webex. The Commission approved two development applications: a conditional use for Faith Life Church and a site plan for Royal Farms #459. No public comments were made. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

Meeting Opening and Administrative Actions

• The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Mills.
• Roll Call: Five members were present (Mr. Peterman, Mr. Servan, Mrs. Carter, Mr. Mills, Mr. Jester), constituting a quorum. Mr. Gaufrey and Mr. Davis were absent.
• Approval of Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda carried 5–0.
• Approval of Minutes (September 10, 2026): A motion to approve the minutes carried 4–0, with Mrs. Carter not voting as she was not present at that meeting.
• Levy Court Action on Commission Recommendations: The Chair noted that the Commission's prior recommendations for CS-26-04 (Pro Cut Tree Service), CS-26-05 (Cattail Creek Propane Facility), and C-26-05 (Sunrise Shaws Corner Rd Solar) had been acted upon by Levy Court (approved or conditionally approved) and referred any questions to staff.
• Old Business: The agenda item SLV-26-27 Thompson Ridge (waiver request) had been removed from the agenda at the applicant's request prior to the meeting, as indicated in the revised agenda.

Old Business: CS-26-06 Faith Life Church – Conditional Use with Site Plan Approval

• Application: Faith Life Church requested a conditional use with site plan approval to add 3,500 sq. ft. to an existing detached building for a place of worship, located outside the Growth Zone Overlay District (Parcel # WD-00-090.00-01-25.02-000, zoned AR – Agricultural Residential).
• Staff Recommendation: The October 1, 2026 staff report recommended approval with conditions. The applicant agreed to: (1) install a bike rack, (2) include three accessible parking spaces, and (3) use native plant species for required landscaping.
• Motion: Commissioner Denise (name inferred from transcript) moved for approval based on the findings of fact that the use is permitted as a conditional use in the AR zone, the public health/safety/welfare will not be adversely affected, and the plan complies with applicable code sections. The motion included conditions requiring compliance with all staff and agency requirements as described in the October 1, 2026 staff report, final plan approval within 24 months, and possible revocation for non-compliance.
• Second: Mr. Mills seconded.
• Vote: 5–0 in favor of recommending conditional approval to Levy Court.

New Business: S-26-05 Royal Farms #459 – Site Plan Approval

• Application: Royal Farms #459 (applicant: Two Farms Inc., Charlotte, NC) requested site plan approval for a 5,154 sq. ft. convenience store and a 4,576 sq. ft. gas station on a 2.0258-acre parcel at the southwest corner of DuPont South Highway and Voshell Mill Road (inside the Growth Zone Overlay District, zoned BG – General Business). Water and wastewater services are provided by Tidewater Utilities and Kent County Public Sewer, respectively. The site is in Levy Court District 5 (Canden-Wyoming Station 41).
• Staff Recommendation: The October 8, 2026 staff report recommended approval. The plan complies with the comprehensive plan and conditions for permitted uses in the BG zone.
• Motion: Commissioner Peterman moved for approval, citing findings that the use is permitted by right with conditions. The motion included a condition that final plan approval must occur within 24 months of preliminary approval and construction must commence within 18 months of final plan approval.
• Second: Mr. Mills seconded.
• Vote: 5–0 in favor of granting approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke or raised an electronic hand to comment. The Chair checked for online participants before adjournment, and none were present.

Commission Comments

• No additional comments were made by commissioners.

Other Business

• No other business was discussed.

Adjournment

• A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Denise, seconded by Commissioner Peterman, and carried 5–0. The meeting adjourned shortly after 6:00 PM.

Key Outcomes

• CS-26-06 Faith Life Church: Recommended conditional approval (5–0) to Levy Court with conditions including bike rack, accessible parking, native landscaping, and compliance with staff requirements.
• S-26-05 Royal Farms #459: Approved site plan (5–0) with conditions on plan approval and construction timelines.
• SLV-26-27 Thompson Ridge: Removed from the agenda by the applicant before the meeting; no action taken.
• All votes were unanimous among present commissioners.