CORNELIA – The congregation of Level Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia is growing, so much so that the church’s addition required a height variance from the city.
The church, located at 157 Old Level Grove Road, has begun an expansion project that includes a new sanctuary and education building that will top out at 64 feet.
The facility will include worship seating of more than 900, making it one of the largest sanctuaries in Habersham County.
Because Cornelia limits maximum building height to 50 feet, the church requested a 14-foot height variance to allow for the church building’s 64-foot peak.
“For some reason, the planning board felt compelled to give them 70 feet because the [International] Building Code would allow them to go up to 75,” said City Manager Donald Anderson during Tuesday night's city commission meeting.
Additionally, the city commission voted to rezone the church property from R-1 (residential) to HB (highway business).
