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Snellville planning commission approves Parkview Christian School at Westside Baptist Church
Summary
The Snellville Planning Commission unanimously approved a special-use permit allowing Parkview Christian School to occupy a 4.54-acre building at Westside Baptist Church, with two variances and a six-month occupancy condition that will void the permit if not used by the school within that timeframe.
The Snellville Planning Commission unanimously approved a special-use permit on June 23, 2026, to allow Parkview Christian School to operate a K–8 program at a separate building on the Westside Baptist Church site. Jason Thompson, director of planning and development, told commissioners the staff recommendation was for approval of the school and two related variances: a minor reduction in minimum lot size (from 5.0 to 4.54 acres) and an allowance for two tenants in one building, subject to conditions.
"We recommend approval of the private school and the two corresponding variances," Thompson said, noting the staff condition that if the property is not leased or occupied by Parkview Christian School within six months of mayor and council approval—or if the school later vacates the premises—the special-use permit will become null and void. That condition ties the SUP to the school entity rather than to the church property.
Parkview Principal Shane Sees described the school's 33-year history in the region and said the school plans intentionally small enrollment of about 82 students, with hours limited to roughly 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and staggered dismissals to reduce traffic impact. "We are intentionally small," Sees said, adding the school is accredited and would use an underused separate building at Westside Baptist.
Multiple residents and stakeholders spoke in support during the public-comment period. Parent and board member Robert Cantino praised the school's small class sizes and community-service programs. Pastor John Weldon of Westside Baptist said he welcomed partnership and the building's reuse.
No speakers registered opposition for the Parkview item. After brief commissioner discussion, a motion to approve SUP 26-01 with staff recommendations passed by unanimous vote.
The SUP approval includes the staff-recommended condition linking the permit to the school's occupancy timetable; the commission recorded the approval and returned the meeting to other agenda business.
What happens next: the SUP will proceed to mayor and council for final administrative processing consistent with the approval; the permit will lapse if the occupancy condition is not met within the six-month window.
