BZA approves use variance to allow ground-floor apartment at former Hillcrest Baptist Church, conditioned on rezone

On Sept. 22 the Angola City Board of Zoning Appeals granted a use variance that will allow a ground-floor dwelling unit at the former Angola Hillcrest Baptist Church, 1207 South Wayne Street, so the building can be converted into a hair salon and a first-floor apartment.

Staff told the board that the property is pending a rezone from Institutional to Neighborhood Commercial; under Neighborhood Commercial the code permits only upper-floor dwelling units, so the buyers must obtain a use variance to place the residence on the ground floor. Staff recommended approval, saying the proposal aligns with the city's comprehensive-plan goals to promote housing growth and that the exterior and footprint of the building will remain unchanged.

Tessa Hill, who said she plans to operate the salon, described the planned layout: a salon area separated from the residential unit, separate entrance for residents, ample on-site parking, and multiple emergency exits for the business. She told the board the apartment entrance will be separate from the salon and that she and her staff would not have access to the residential space.

Board members asked about building-code issues such as fire suppression and whether remodel permits might trigger additional requirements; staff said the building commissioner will review remodeling permits and decide whether sprinklers or other measures are required. The BZA's approval was conditioned on the pending rezone being finalized; the board approved the variance by voice vote.