PHOENIX -- Neighbors and churchgoers alike attended a Phoenix Planning Commission meeting Tuesday night to debate a request by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to build a temple near 51st Avenue and West Pinnacle Peak Road.

Nearby homeowners had voiced opposition to a proposal to build a 40 foot tall temple with a 78 foot steeple and a lighted spire at night.

At issue before the commission is the church's proposal to add 10 feet to the temple's height. Current residential zoning allows a building as high as 30 feet, but a zoning provision lets the property owner tailor zoning for the area, as long as it is approved by the city.

The planning commission voted to relax the height restriction on the temple, but the city council will vote Dec. 2 whether to follow this recommendation.

The proposed Mormon temple would be the first one constructed in Phoenix.