Richfield United Methodist Church may soon expand its kitchen to host a Community Table after recent zoning ordinance changes.

In a letter dated Aug. 17 sent by Richfield Town Administrator Carolyn Capps, the church’s application to renovate its kitchen was approved.

According to Capps, recent changes to the town’s zoning ordinances have placed all churches in Richfield in the R-20 residential district. In the R-20 district, the town’s churches may remodel and expand their facilities.

The letter further stated Richfield UMC’s kitchen may be renovated for “continued use of the property for religious purposes. This may reasonably include an accessory food ministry.”

Richfield UMC, who had planned to renovate its kitchen for a Community Table site, has withdrawn its appeal to the Board of Adjustments.

Previously, the town had ruled the church was in noncompliance and refused its application for a permit for kitchen renovations.

The changes came as part of the 160D changes required by the state for all cities and towns in North Carolina. Those changes were approved at a recent meeting of the town’s council.