Hearings Officer Decision - A consolidated application for a Conditional Use Permit, Class 3 Site Plan Review, and Tree Variance for a new 4,500 square-foot building and site improvements for an existing church - Approved Conditional Use / Class 3 Site Plan Review / Tree Variance Case No. CU-SPR-TRV25-09 - Brand Land Use LLC (Britany Randall and Christopher Randall) - 375 Madrona Av S Ward(s): 7 Councilor(s): Nordyke Neighborhood(s): Southwest Association of Neighbors

The Hearings Officer has approved a consolidated application for a Conditional Use Permit, Class 3 Site Plan Review, and Tree Variance for the Salem Heights Church at 375 Madrona Avenue S. The approval allows for the construction of a new 4,500 square-foot building and associated site improvements.

Key aspects of the approval include:

• Conditional Use Permit: Allows deviations from certain zoning standards, specifically regarding the application of the more restrictive RS zone standards to a small portion of the property, a reduced street frontage requirement along Winola Avenue S, and a slightly reduced setback for the new accessory structure. These deviations are conditioned to minimize impacts on surrounding residential properties.
• Class 3 Site Plan Review: The project meets most development standards, with conditions addressing landscaping, pedestrian connections to Madrona Avenue S, storm drainage, and utility easements for relocated stormwater mains.
• Tree Variance: A variance was granted to remove one 28-inch diameter Oregon White Oak tree to facilitate the construction of the new building. Conditions are in place to protect the critical root zones of adjacent significant trees.

Several conditions of approval are attached to ensure compliance with city codes, including maintaining a joint parking agreement, planting additional sight-obscuring landscaping, providing pedestrian connections, and relocating a public stormwater main. The approval is valid until February 5, 2028.