The First Congregational Church of Ripon and the house just north of it have stood for years on the same lot.

That was until recently.

The Ripon Planning Commission approved a request by Joshua Scharmann and the church to subdivide the 14,375-square-foot property at the corner of North Acacia Street and West Main Street.

“The church is trying to subdivide the lot into two separate parcels to allow for the sale of the house,” said Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart at the May 16 session.

Using satellite photo showing the parcel, he explained that the house at 114 N. Acacia St. and the church sit too close together.

“The applicant will be required to modify the existing house to meet setback requirements. The house can be built up to the property line as long as it meets the current California building code,” Zuidervaart said.

All modifications to home must take place prior to occupancy, he added.

The applicant, Scharmann, currently lives in Salida with his wife and young daughter. He’s the youth and music director of Ripon Grace Brethren Church.

Joshua Scharmann and his wife are also the new owners of Ripon Coffee House.

Plans call for the family to move into the house on the parcel – he indicated that work is needed on the single-family dwelling.

“The house is not livable in the current condition,” said Joshua Scharmann, who is looking forward to remodeling and bringing the building up to City standards.

Commissioners had no problems approving the tentative parcel map.

Chairman Dave West favored the project, adding: “It will be nice to see the area cleaned up.”

Jeff Veilleux welcomed the family to Ripon.