Zoning board approves special exception to leave Methodist Church shed inside rear setback

The Decatur Zoning Board of Adjustments voted unanimously to approve a special exception allowing an existing shed at First United Methodist Church, 2002 Deer Park Road, to remain 6.2 feet inside the city's required 15-foot rear setback.

Lisa Hannon, the city's planning director, told the board that the church has owned the property since 1989 and that the property is being replatted; she said staff recommended approval. "Staff recommends approval of the special exception request for BOA25-0003," Hannon said.

The exception was requested because the property is undergoing a replat and because the shed does not meet the current 15-foot rear setback. Hannon said the Texas Local Government Code authorizes the board to grant such exceptions and that no hardship finding is required to approve this type of special exception. The staff presentation noted the property was rezoned in February from the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to Single-Family 1 and that the replat is scheduled to move forward at the May 6 Planning and Zoning meeting.

Commission members confirmed the measurement: the shed is 6.2 feet from the rear property line where 15 feet is required. Board members clarified the scope of the action: the approval allows the existing encroaching structure to remain but does not change the setback standard. Hannon reiterated that if the structure were removed and later rebuilt, any new construction would have to meet the setback requirements in effect at the time of reconstruction.

The motion to approve was made by Mr. Chandler and seconded by Mr. Klein Smith. The board chair announced the motion carried with all in favor.

The board record contains the staff report and map submitted by planning staff. No public speakers appeared during the hearing on this item.