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Board approves subdivision to separate Pleasant Hill Church building and cemetery
Summary
The board granted a variance to subdivide a 2.46‑acre property so the Pleasant Hill Church building can be conveyed separately from an on‑site cemetery; church members said the split will allow insurance coverage and continued cemetery maintenance.
The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment on June 23 approved a subdivision and related variances that will separate the Pleasant Hill Church of Christ building from its adjoining cemetery and permit interments near new lot boundaries.
Staff presented case A‑25‑0019 and recommended approval, noting the property is 2.46 acres, currently zoned Institutional 1 and used as a church and cemetery. Staff referenced the county's minimum yard requirements and cemetery standards, and said subdivision of the parcel would not create a hardship for the neighborhood.
Members of Rock Creek Church of Christ, who said they had moved into the Pleasant Hill building after their own building was destroyed by fire, spoke in support. Jean Calhoun said the congregation moved into the Pleasant Hill building after their church burned and that the congregation did not want to be responsible for the cemetery. "We don't want the cemetery," Calhoun said, explaining the congregation needs to insure and manage the church building separately. Darlene Calhoun identified Colin McKee as the cemetery trustee who will be responsible for upkeep.
Staff described the requested lot lines: the church would be located about 7.5 feet from the eastern property boundary of proposed Parcel A, and interments in the cemetery would be permitted as close as 3 feet from the western boundary of proposed Parcel B. Staff noted those dimensions in the context of Section 70201 (minimum yard requirements) and cemetery zoning standards.
After public comment, a board member moved to approve case A‑25‑0019 and the motion passed. The transcript shows the board approved the variance; the written decision will be issued in accordance with the board's usual practice.
The record includes the congregation's explanation that separating the parcels is intended to allow insurability of the building and to clarify cemetery maintenance responsibility; a trustee named Colin McKee was identified in the hearing as the person responsible for cemetery upkeep.
