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Resolution No. 2019-xx Page 2 of 4 The subject site is located within the R-1 Single-Family Residence zoning district. The R-1 zone allows for a maximum building height of 2-stories/27 feet which is typical of a single-family dwelling. However, the proposed project is for a community service building that will be accessory to an existing church. The community service building is 2-stories in height but portions of the building are 32 feet 5 inches tall. The additional height is necessary to meet the California Building Code requirements for interior clearance and provide for an architectural design that is traditional of Coptic Orthodox churches. With regards to topography and geology, the property has a history of ground water intrusion into the basement of the existing church. As a result, it is disadvantageous and undesirable for the church to continue to use the existing church basement for community and parish programming. 2. That the granting of a variance or minor exception is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of one (1) or more substantial property rights. Granting the minor exception will allow the church to construct a community service building that will serve the parish and allow the property owner to utilize the property to its maximum potential. The purpose of regulating building height is to preserve the visual environment and by ensuring that new development is harmonious in scale and character with the existing development. In this case the community service building will be approximately 60-feet from the closest single-family dwelling and will have decorative walls and enhanced landscaping with trees that will be installed along the perimeter of the site to help preserve the visual environment. Further, the height of the existing church is 35 feet, with the new building to be consistent in height. 3. That the granting of a variance or minor exception will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to surrounding property. The community service building will not exacerbate the existing height conditions. The existing church is 35-feet in height, the new community service building will be 32 feet, 5 inches; therefore, the approval of the minor exception will not create a new detriment to the public welfare or surrounding properties. The community service building will result in a positive addition to the community. 4. That the granting of a minor exception will not adversely affect the general plan of the City. 1-24