By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Clanton received approval of architectural drawings for an addition from the Clanton Planning Commission on May 14.

The drawings included the required elements for the planned 1,200-square-foot addition for classrooms. This project will also include additional parking space for the church.

The church is located at 813 Temple Road.

Building inspector Gene Martin told the board he had reviewed the plans and did not see any issues.

“Your plans look good to me,” Martin told the architects.

TURNERBATSON Architects in Birmingham is working on the project with the church.

Board members reviewed the drawings prior to the meeting.

Jamie Collins of TURNERBATSON said the company will hold a pre-bid meeting for qualified companies interested in bidding on the project. The plan is to use a general contractor to oversee the project.

“You want to use some local people, if possible?” Martin asked.

“We would like to,” Collins said.

The lowest bidder will be presented to the church for approval.

A building permit will be required before construction of the addition can begin.

“We are optimistic that it will all happen pretty quickly,” Collins said.

During the meeting, the Planning Commission approved plans for a structure on the corner of Sixth Street and Third Avenue S, contingent on the electrical drawings meeting the required specifications. James Cleckler said he plans to either rent out the building or open a lawnmower retail store.

Cleckler said he will make a decision closer to the completion of the building. He said have the lawnmower shop was a possible retirement idea for him.

Martin also made the Planning Commission aware of the need for more specific planning regulations for the size and placement of sheds.

Recent issues have stemmed from oversized sheds being placed in a front yard, which is already not permitted by the planning regulations, and placement of multiple small sheds on the same property.

Concerns were discussed about how this impacts the look of a neighborhood.

Planning Commission members asked Martin to present possible amendments to the regulations at a future meeting.