The zoning administrator approved a minor design review to allow construction of a new sanctuary building for First Samoan Christian Church (now using the name Wellspring Church) at 1255 Fulton Road.

Planning staff presented the project and clarified square‑footage and parking calculations: the full addition was described as about 3,950 square feet with 1,764 sq ft for the assembly area and 1,137 sq ft for the stage. Staff said the site has 70 existing parking spaces, 11 will be removed for the new sectional area, leaving 59 on‑site spaces, and that the use requires 58 spaces—meaning the project meets the zoning code's parking requirement. Staff reported no unresolved issues and recommended approval.

Tuesday Emlen, representing the church, said the sanctuary is the third phase of a project that began in 2008 and described the congregation's community services, including monthly meals for the homeless and support for local nonprofits. "We are now multiracial... that's why the Wellspring name was adopted," Emlen said, adding the congregation is eager to complete the sanctuary phase.

The zoning administrator said the architecture and scale fit the neighborhood, had no additional conditions beyond those recommended by staff, and approved the project. The approval is final unless an appeal is filed within 10 calendar days (appeal deadline given as Dec. 15, 2025).

Next steps: The applicant may proceed with the approved design review subject to conditions of approval; the public has 10 calendar days to file an appeal.