DECATUR — The Decatur Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday unanimously approved two setback variances requested by St. Mary’s Catholic Church, clearing the way for construction of a new parish house on the church’s property at South Fifth and Madison streets.
The church sought an 8‑foot variance along Fifth Street, reducing the required front‑yard setback from 25 feet to 17 feet, and a 6‑foot variance along Madison Street, allowing a 19‑foot setback. Both requests were reviewed separately and approved without opposition.
Bob Busher, representing St. Mary’s, told the board the project is constrained by the size and shape of the lot. “The challenge of course is the size of the site,” he said during the first hearing, noting that the structure must fit between existing parking areas and the church building.
Board members asked brief clarifying questions about the orientation of the house, confirming that the front will face Fifth Street and the rear will face the church. No neighboring property owners appeared to object, and no written objections were submitted.
During the second variance request, Busher explained that the remainder of the building would sit farther back from Madison Street than the portion requiring relief. Father (name not stated in transcript) attended the meeting and voiced support for the project.
In both cases, the board completed its required findings of fact, determining unanimously that the variances would not impair light or air to adjacent properties, increase traffic congestion, affect public safety, or diminish surrounding property values.
With both variances granted, St. Mary’s may proceed with plans to construct the new parish residence.