Pasadena Church Seeks Expansion After Redesigning Plans to Save Historic Oak Tree

A decades-old church congregation’s growth plans return to the city Hearing Officer Wednesday, Dec. 3, after the applicant revised its proposal to preserve a protected tree.

Grace Temple Church seeks approval to add 2,206 square feet to its existing 1,137-square-foot facility at 1909 North Fair Oaks Avenue. The expansion would more than double the religious facility’s size.

The proposal was initially scheduled for a May hearing. Public opposition to removing a Coast Live Oak tree prompted the applicant to continue the case. The church requested additional time to explore alternative designs that would retain the tree.

The redesigned project now preserves the oak and eliminates a previous request for two driveways along West Tremont Street.

The plans call for demolishing 137 square feet of the existing sanctuary building. The remaining space would be converted into offices, a multipurpose room, kitchen, storage and restrooms. A new 2,343-square-foot sanctuary would be constructed.

The property consists of three parcels along North Fair Oaks Avenue and West Tremont Street. The church building occupies the northern parcel. Two southern parcels remain vacant.

The application includes consolidating the three parcels into one. Two new parking lots would provide 15 spaces, exceeding the required 14 spaces for the 112-seat sanctuary.

A variance is requested to allow two separate parking areas on one site. The city code requires all parking spaces to be accessible without reentering a public right-of-way.

Planning Department reports cite a 12-foot grade change between the southern parcels as justification. The topographic constraint limits the practicality of a single parking area design.

The religious facility has operated at the site for over 50 years. Property ownership transferred to Faith Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in 1973. The congregation now operates as Grace Temple Church.

Worship services would take place from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays. The church would also operate Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional activities include Sunday school, prayer groups and choir rehearsal on weekdays.

City planners recommend approval with conditions. The project is exempt from environmental review as an addition to an existing facility under 10,000 square feet.

The General Plan designates the property as Low Mixed Use. This classification supports community-oriented uses that serve neighborhoods.

Surrounding properties include single-family and multi-family residential uses. A community health center sits to the south.

The hearing begins at 6 p.m. in the Grand Conference Room at City Hall.