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Council approves conditional use permit to reestablish place of worship at 5370 Ash Street
Summary
After a public hearing with proponents and no registered opposition, Forest Park council approved a conditional use permit to operate a place of worship at 5370 Ash Street with seven conditions addressing use limits, codes, parking, hours (6 a.m.–10 p.m.), signage, maintenance and periodic compliance review.
Forest Park’s mayor and council voted Dec. 1 to approve conditional use permit 2025‑06 to reestablish a place of worship at 5370 Ash Street in Ward 4. Planning staff said the property historically operated as a religious facility and the planning commission recommended approval on Nov. 20, 2025 with seven conditions to protect neighborhood character and ensure code compliance.
Planning and zoning staff reviewed the conditions on the record: a use limitation limiting the permit to operation as a place of worship; required building, fire and life‑safety permits and inspections before occupancy; parking and traffic management measures including off‑site parking and designated staff/volunteer management at large events; noise and hours limits (regular activities restricted to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise approved by the planning director); property maintenance and landscaping buffers; signage to comply with the city sign ordinance for the residential zoning district; and the city’s right to periodic compliance reviews with modification or revocation authority under section 8‑8190 (termination of conditional use permit) if conditions are not met.
During the public hearing proponents, including Pastor Gregory Kelly (the new owner), described renovations already underway and a plan to improve the parking lot; no speakers registered opposition. After reconvening, council voted by roll call to approve the permit. Council members asked staff to monitor compliance and noted that prior approvals for the same property had returned to the council in previous years.
The approval is conditioned as presented by planning staff and does not authorize exterior expansion or intensified use without further city review and permits.
