TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Zoning Commission
FROM: Demetrios Moutos - Planner I
DATE: April 8, 2025
RE:
Title
A25-11: A variance request to reduce the front yard setback from 25 feet to 5 feet at 915 Ramsey Street and 125 Telegraph Circle (PINs 0437690468000 and 0437690387000), owned by Burning Bush Missionary Baptist Church, represented by John Crews and Robert McQueen.
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
District 2 - Malik Davis
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 2: A Responsive City Government Driving Economic Diversity and Sustainability
* Objective 2.1: Expand and diversify the City's tax base to promote long-term fiscal resilience and economic stability.
Goal 4: A Thriving, Livable Community
* Objective 4.5: Support the development of vibrant, well-connected neighborhoods that enrich the quality of life for all residents.
Executive Summary:
Burning Bush Missionary Baptist Church has submitted a variance request (A25-11) to reduce the front yard setback from 25 feet to 5 feet at 915 Ramsey Street and 125 Telegraph Circle (PINs 0437690468000 and 0437690387000). The request would allow the construction of a new Fellowship Hall to support the church's growing congregation and ongoing community outreach, including weekly meals and clothing services for the unhoused. The variance is needed due to the site's topography, multiple front yard designations, and the desire to align the new building with the existing structure. John Crews and Robert McQueen represent the church in this request.
Per Section 30.2.C.14, variances are intended to provide relief from dimensional standards in cases where exceptional conditions - beyond the landowner's control - create a unique hardship under the strict application of the Ordinance. Variances do not authorize changes to permitted uses or modify conditions of approval, and they are to be granted only under limited and specific circumstances.
Background:
* Owners...
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