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Council approves reduced front-yard setback for First Baptist Learning Center
Summary
Bertram City Council approved a variance to reduce the front-yard setback at 200 East Cedar Street from 25 feet to 15 feet so the First Baptist Learning Center can rebuild and preserve large oak trees; council cited hardship and compatibility standards and the motion passed.
The Bertram City Council voted to approve a variance allowing a 15-foot front-yard setback at 200 East Cedar Street, the site of the First Baptist Church Learning Center, during its April 2026 regular meeting.
Council discussed the applicant's plan to tear down the old church building and construct a new building with a playground behind it. Council members and staff focused on whether the requested 15-foot setback (the ordinance states 25 feet is required) would adversely affect adjacent property owners or the neighborhood's character. The council emphasized preserving large oak trees as a primary reason for the reduced setback. "I make a motion we accept the 15 foot setback based on waiting for Adam and the crew to make sure it does not affect any of the city property," said Anthony (Council member), who moved the variance. After a second and brief discussion, the motion passed.
The chair reiterated considerations the council must weigh, including hardship, public interest, compatibility with surrounding properties, and whether zoning purpose can be met without altering the area's essential character. No formal objections from adjacent property owners were recorded in the meeting. The council approved the variance by voice vote during the meeting.
