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Clayton BZA approves variance for Crest View Baptist Church pavilion at 6600 Salem Avenue
Summary
On May 7, 2025, the Clayton Board of Zoning Appeals approved variance VR25-02 allowing Crest View Baptist Church to construct a pavilion exceeding standard accessory‑structure limits at 6600 Salem Avenue, subject to limits on pavilion size (2,880 sq ft) and the total number of accessory structures (two).
The Clayton Board of Zoning Appeals voted May 7 to grant variance VR25-02, allowing Crest View Baptist Church to construct a second accessory pavilion at 6600 Salem Avenue that would exceed the usual accessory‑structure size limits in the city’s residential zoning code.
Staff told the board the application requests relief from sections 1121.02 C.1.1 and C.1.6 of the Clayton Planning and Zoning Code to permit a second accessory structure larger than 200 square feet and to allow the pavilion to exceed the 1,800‑square‑foot cap specified in the code. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: the pavilion must not exceed 2,880 square feet, and the total number of accessory structures on the parcel would be limited to two. “Staff recommends the board of zoning appeals approve the requested variance with two conditions,” staff stated during the presentation.
Applicant William Dunn told the board the pavilion is intended for congregation use and youth activities and said it would not change traffic patterns at the site. “It won’t change a bit,” Dunn said of traffic. He described the structure as open (a pavilion with no enclosed walls), accessible to wheelchair users, and sited near existing restrooms to facilitate use for events and overflow from the church auditorium.
Board members asked staff and the applicant questions about zoning context, surrounding land uses and controls on future lighting. Staff explained that the church is a preexisting, nonconforming use in an RSD (residential single unit district) area along Salem Avenue and that notices had been mailed to adjacent property owners and printed in the Eaton Register Herald. Staff confirmed no electronic or written public comments had been received before the meeting.
Board member Mr. Maidwell read and voiced agreement with the seven findings of fact the board applies when considering a dimensional variance — including that special conditions relate to the property and that approval would provide the minimum relief necessary. After discussion, a motion to approve VR25-02 with the staff‑recommended conditions passed on a roll call vote: Mr. McGinness, Miss Codwell, Mr. Maidwell and Mr. Pin voted yes; Mr. Greer was excused.
The approved conditions limit the pavilion to a maximum of 2,880 square feet and restrict the parcel to two accessory structures in total. The board did not adopt additional conditions regarding immediate lighting changes but urged the applicant to consult staff on shielding if future lights are proposed. The board adjourned following the vote.
Next steps: the variance is approved as recorded; any final building plans, permits, or exterior lighting proposals must be submitted to and reviewed by city staff under applicable code requirements before construction begins.
