The City Commission on April 1 approved a technical deviation for New Hope Brazilian Baptist Church to operate with 32 allocated parking spots at 2100–2150 SW 10th Street instead of the 73 spaces required by the city’s off‑street parking rules.

Rafael Martins, the general contractor for the project, described the church as a center for the Brazilian and Latino communities and asked for the deviation on the grounds that peak Sunday services occur when most neighboring businesses are closed. Martins said the property owner granted 83 designated spaces on Sundays and that, by Martins’ count, up to 129 spaces could be available when adjacent businesses are closed.

City staff and commissioners noted the code requirement is 1 space per 4 seats in the main assembly area and that the church’s estimated required spaces would be 73. Staff confirmed the deviation request and the owner’s written agreement regarding designated Sunday spaces were part of the application packet. Commissioners voted by roll call to approve the deviation; the vote was unanimous.

Why it matters: The deviation allows the church to locate in the requested plaza without building or securing 73 dedicated spaces on the property itself. Staff said the deviation would not create conflicts because the church’s primary services occur at times when plaza tenants are closed. The applicant waived formal quasi‑judicial procedures for the hearing. The exact long‑term arrangements (for example, ongoing written easements) were not specified during the hearing.