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VN-228 Page #2 APPLICANT'S RESPONSE In the attached letter the applicant states that unique circumstances exist because the building was not originally designed as a church. The applicant states that because the building formerly housed a community resource center many people are confuse d, not knowing it is now a church. In addressing undue hardship the applicant feels it is detrimental for the congregation not to be able to identify their place of worship with a cross. The applicant has told staff that they feel it is necessary to have the cross extend above the roof line for visibility to the community. r~~ STAFF ANALYSIS Building constructed as churches ususally incorporate the symbol of a cross into-the building structure. In the case of the Korean United Methodist Church the proposed cross is not part of the building structure (see attached drawing). Therefore the cross is classified as a symbol or logo and regulated under the sign ordinance. Regarding the unique circumstances expressed by the applicant, the present situation is no different than that of any other business relocating into a building previously used for another purpose. The. recycling of schools into other uses is no longer a unique circumstance. Similarly, it may be questionable whether visibility lost by not locating the cross above the roof line constitutes undue hardship. The sign ordinance allows the applicant to have either a ground sign or a wall sign. In this case the applicant has applied for and received a sign permit to put up a wall sign with the name of the church. A cross could be incorporated into the approved sign. Other churches in the city appear to be adequately signed,usually with a ground sign located near the street. Lt is understandable that the applicant is concerned that their church is still confused with the community resource center. But it should be noted that the church has been located at the present site less than a year. Given some time this confusion will dissappear. In summary, "above roof signs" have not. been permitted, the applicant's already approved signing could be modified to include a cross, and unique circumstances and undue hardship have not been shown. RECOMMENDATION To waive the reading and adopt the attached RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS OF FACT AND RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF UN-228. Brenda A. Krueger, City Planner