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Methodist Temple granted variance to keep existing columbarium on Lincoln Avenue
Summary
The Board approved a variance allowing an existing seven‑foot columbarium at Methodist Temple to remain in the front yard and permitted two additional columbaria in the future.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance March 20 allowing Methodist Temple UMC to retain an existing seven‑foot columbarium in the front yard at 2109 Lincoln Avenue and to build two additional columbaria in the same front‑yard location.
Andrea Wallace, director of operations for Methodist Temple, said one columbarium was installed in the early 2000s without permitting and that each new structure will hold 84 niches for cremated remains. She told the board the columbarium is difficult to see from Lincoln Avenue "if there's no leaves on the trees," and that the feature is largely screened by seasonal foliage.
No remonstrators appeared at the hearing. The board voted unanimously to approve the variance (VAR‑2025‑003). The vote recorded five affirmative votes and no negatives.
The variance grants relief from the 20‑foot minimum front‑yard setback to legally establish the existing columbarium at the front of the property and to allow construction of two additional columbaria of the same size; details on permitting for the future units were discussed with staff and are recorded in the Area Plan Commission file.
