A church’s request for a variance that would allow expansion of a septic system was put on hold for two weeks by the Douglas County Commission.

The delay will allow leaders of Blessed Hope Baptist Church a chance to obtain more information about potential annexation and connecting to the Lawrence city sewer system. It also will give the church time to discuss concerns neighbors have about the proposal.

“I think there are a few questions that need to be answered,” Commissioner Charles Jones said.

The church wants to buy a single-family house at 1115 N. 1700 Road and convert it for church-related use. The property, which is along the south side of Peterson Road just east of Folks Road adjacent to the Lawrence city limit, is now owned by Stephens Real Estate Inc.

The house has a septic system that was built in 1970. The church wants to expand it. Septic system expansion isn’t allowed under the new county subdivision regulations because it is in an area expected to be annexed by the city in the near future. Therefore, the church is seeking a variance to the regulations.

Douglas County Planning Department staff recommended denial of the variance. If a variance is allowed, Richard Ziesenis, director of environmental health at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, said the church should be required to abandon the old system and build an entirely new underground system.

Some neighbors also spoke in opposition not only to the septic expansion but to the possibility of using the site as a church.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Everett Ledbetter, said the church wants to address concerns neighbors have.

“We don’t want to be in a situation where we are not wanted,” he said.

Ledbetter also said the church would be willing to abandon the septic system once the area was annexed and city sewer connections become available.

Commissioners will take up the church’s request again Feb. 13.