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BZA OKs childcare at Saint John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Church property
Summary
The Board approved a special exception to allow a childcare facility in an existing house on the Saint John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Church property at 851 Baker Road, with staff noting DHS and fire-marshal requirements and a fenced play area to be installed.
Rutherford County's Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday approved a special exception to permit a childcare facility at Saint John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Church’s property at 851 Baker Road, with the church committing to DHS and fire-marshal compliance and to installing a fenced outdoor play area.
Staff member Danielle presented Application 2025-38, saying the proposal would convert a 3,200-square-foot house on the ARM-zoned church property into a childcare facility operating Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Danielle said no new buildings were planned specifically for the daycare, existing parking was sufficient and the facility would be remodeled to meet Department of Human Services (DHS) requirements and fire-marshall rules, including a fenced play area.
Peter Messiah, representing the church, said the congregation established the church two years earlier and intends to serve members of the Coptic community. He told the board the church plans to start with roughly 25–35 children and can reach up to 49 children based on fire-marshall limits once renovations and approvals are complete. "We will fence it for the playground for the kids," Messiah said, adding the church is working with DHS and the codes office to ensure compliance.
Board members expressed support for churches providing childcare and moved to approve the request with staff conditions. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members voting yes.
The approval is conditioned on meeting DHS and fire-marshal requirements and any other planning department comments; the church will proceed with remodeling, fencing the play area and applying for all required permits.
