Oasis Church parking variance

The church's attorney argued the variance is justified because the code counts every square inch of a church — even bathrooms and hallways — at the highest parking ratio, and drainage district rules limit where parking can go.

The project's civil engineer explained the green areas on the plan are required dry retention zones, so parking can't be expanded there.

The nearest neighbor said Sunday church traffic already packs the streets and swales, blocks his route to Flamingo Road, and worries a bigger church will make it far worse for elderly residents.