Board approves special use for private school serving students with disabilities in former church building

Tazewell County zoning officials approved a special-use request from Special Education Services Inc. to operate a private school for persons with disabilities in an existing former church building on Edgewater near Route 98.

Why it matters: Approval allows the petitioner to pursue rehabilitating an existing structure into a school that county staff and some board members described as an option for smaller districts that cannot afford full-time specialized teachers.

The board received a positive staff report and planner findings. Board members noted the proposal would not be issued building or change-of-use permits until the Kesem County Health Department (septic) issues a permit and fire-and-life-safety, sprinkler and Department of Education requirements are satisfied. Testimony during the hearing emphasized that state Department of Education rules would govern classroom size, desk height and program standards; the board acknowledged those regulatory overlays.

The board voted to approve the planner's findings and then called the question on the special-use application. The motion passed by voice vote; recorded roll-call votes in the transcript show board members voting yes in sequence. Staff reminded the petitioner that multiple permitting departments must sign off before any occupancy or construction work proceeds.