Diamond Bar : Building of Church on Hold
A request for a permit extension for church construction has been delayed while city officials work on a tree ordinance for Diamond Bar.
Bob Huff, chairman of the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, asked the City Council on Tuesday for a five-year extension of an expired county permit to build a church and classrooms on a 2.6-acre lot at 3255 Diamond Bar Blvd. The church got the 10-year permit from the county in 1980, before Diamond Bar was incorporated.
But council members questioned the foresight of allowing additional construction without a city ordinance to protect the pine, oak and eucalyptus trees on the property. City staff members were already at work on a tree ordinance, said Jim Destefano, city planning director.
Huff pointed out that he has agreed in writing to the council’s request that the trees along the perimeter of the lot remain.
But some council members expressed concern that there are no definite rules for replacing trees. “If one of these trees is to be removed, what will be the consequences?” asked Councilwoman Phyllis Papen.
The council will discuss the matter June 18.
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