The Pinehurst Village Council will be limited in what it can consider in deciding whether to approve a major special-use permit for The Village Chapel's expansion.

During the two-day quasi-judicial hearing last month, speakers were under oath and could only present factual evidence. The church wants to build a 16,500-square-foot learning center.

When the council considers the permit, it is allowed to consider only the facts presented as they pertain to whether or not the application meets the 10 criteria in the Standards of Review for major special-use permits set forth in the village development ordinances.

Those criteria are:

• The use is listed among the special uses in the district for which the application is made.
• The use shall conform to the applicable regulations of the districts in which it is located.
• The use will be in general conformance with the adopted comprehensive long-range plan.
• The use will not materially endanger the public health or safety.
• The use will not substantially injure the value of the adjoining properties or is a public necessity.
• The use will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located.
• Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, sanitation or other necessary facilities have been or are being provided.
• Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide site ingress and egress to minimize the traffic congestion in all streets.
• Hours of operation will not impair the integrity or character of the surrounding or adjoining districts nor adversely affect the safety, morals or welfare of the community or the immediate neighbors of the property.
• The use will not unduly congest or limit the existing use of amenities and recreational facilities.

Each member of the council has transcripts of the hearings. Council member Nancy Roy Fiorillo did not attended the hearings. She likely will not vote on issuing the permit unless her vote is needed to break a tie among the other four members.

If the major special-use permit is approved, the church will still be required to obtain approval from the Historic Preservation Commission, along with all other applicable site plan approvals.

The council's regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday has been canceled. It will hold a special work session at 12:30 p.m. prior to Tuesday's regular meeting.

Contact Tom Embrey at tembrey@thepilot.com.