Panel backs Skokie church permit after code compliance

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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:23AM

A church operating without mandatory special use or occupancy permits for nearly one-and-a-half years will have to bring the building up to code, under a recommendation last week by the Skokie Plan Commission.

Commissioners unanimously supported granting Williams Memorial Temple Church of God in Christ necessary permits to continue “religious assembly” at 5151 Church St., but only if it complies with all requirements.

“In order for the church to legally occupy the building,” stated the village’s Building Department in its report to the commission, “the tenant space has multiple issues that must be brought into compliance with various codes.”

To comply with the International Building Code, changes would have to be made to the size and number of exits, the corridor size and the construction of the rear wall currently separating the church from the rest of the building, according to the Building Department.

Washrooms must be brought into compliance with the state’s Plumbing Code. Exit signs and emergency lighting must be brought into compliance with the National Electric Code. And the fresh air ventilation system must comply with the International Mechanical Code.

The Building Department also stated that the insulation, lighting and heating and cooling system must be brought into compliance with the International Conservation Code and the tenant space into compliance with the latest edition of the Illinois Accessibility Code.

Church lawyer Amos Smith acknowledged that the church has been using the building for religious services held mostly on Sunday mornings. Some services are held Wednesday nights and a Bible study is held on Fridays.

A new pastor recently took over the church and has been working with the village to comply with codes, he said.

“The special use should be allowed because the church is beneficial to the community,” said Smith. “There’s also other churches in the area that are being operated as religious facilities.”

Smith asked that the church architect and contractor be able to go through the village’s inspection report to see if there is a way to address repairs in the most cost-efficient manner as possible.

“We’re simply asking that the church be allowed to use the building as a church,” he said.

Plan Commission Chairman Paul Luke said that if there are violations as the report indicates, the commission cannot recommend a special use without the condition that the building is brought up to code.

“We cannot give you a waiver on any repairs until your architect looks at it or not,” he said.

Smith said he was not referring to a code violation in his request but any issues “that may be a difference of opinion.”

The church’s new pastor, Clarence Cranford Jr., is a retired federal law enforcement officer who served with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and was a military chaplain for 27 years.

“I just want the village to know the quality of leadership that you have coming to your community,” he said. “I’m very mindful of any requirements that the village might have. We want to be good citizens of this community. Our interest is in what we can do to add benefit to the community.”

The church has 16 parking spaces on site, which means a maximum of 64 seats are allowed for the assembly area to comply with code.

“The site cannot technically accommodate any additional seats due to the lack of parking,” the engineering department stated. The building currently has a 72-seat worship area and three offices.

Cranford Jr., however, said the church can abide by the 64-seat restriction allowed under code. He said that the church is interested in meeting all codes and working with the village.

The Village Board will vote on the special use permit at an upcoming meeting.