SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  A new church will not test a zoning law that barred it from building a 40-foot steeple, according to The Arizona Republic.
A compromise plan approved by the Scottsdale City Council eased tension between First Assembly of God Dream Center and its neighbors and averted a showdown between the council and its Development Review Board.
In August, the design board approved the church's steeple even though zoning in the area limits structure's height to 24 feet.
Last month, the council approved plans to build classrooms, administrative offices and a 1,000-seat sanctuary on 24 acres, but postponed voting on the steeple, which was to double as a misting system.
Some council members expressed anger that the design board disregarded the intent of the Environmentally Sensitive land Ordinance to preserve the desert-like ambiance of north Scottsdale.
Attorney Wendy Riddell said the church decided to limit the tower to 24 feet to avoid hard feelings just as the congregation is joining the community.
"We're doing this out of respect for the neighbors and community," she said.
