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Minor Exception No. 2021-03 – Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church Front Yard Fence July 7, 2021 Page 2 1 8 7 1 Item Information Zoning Code Sections Affected SAMC Section 41-610(a) – Front Yard Fence SAMC Section 41-632 (3) (i) – Minor Exception DISCUSSION Project Description The subject property is a 1.45-acre lot developed with a church, ancillary dwellings, and a parking lot. The applicant is proposing to install a seven-foot high decorative wrought iron fence within the front yard. The fence will be constructed in front of the church building adjacent to an existing on site walkway and will span approximately 115 feet in length. The wrought iron fence is designed to include arches with a circle and cross at the center of every 10-foot segment and will be painted beige. Approximately, eight (8) to 25 feet of front yard landscaping including palm trees, a row of shrubs, and grass turf will remain in place along Edinger Avenue in front of the fence (Exhibit 3 to 5). Project Background The Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church was constructed in 1990 and Conditional Use Permit No. 88-11, governs the church use. In 2020, there were two burglary and two vandalism incidents, which were documented by the Santa Ana Police Department. These crime incidents and the physical site conditions were reviewed by Santa Ana Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s, Department Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, and United States Department of Homeland Security, all of which recommended the installation of a seven (7) foot high fence in the front yard to secure the church property (Exhibit 6). In addition, the church has received a federal security grant to fund the construction of the fence. As such, the applicant has applied for a minor exception. Project Analysis Pursuant to SAMC 41-610(a)(1), front yard fences on residentially zoned properties along arterial streets such as Edinger Avenue are limited to four feet in height. The applicant has filed an application to construct a seven-foot high (maximum height) front yard fence at the subject property. Staff has reviewed the applicant’s request and is supportive of the minor exception. The purpose of the proposed fence is to prevent trespassing, reduce vandalism and burglary incidents, and provide controlled access points by channeling individuals to authorized entry points. Due to the religious use on the site, the applicant may be at risk of targeted crime. In addition, the church has floor to ceiling windows along Edinger Avenue that if broken allow for direct access into the church. The two burglary incidents involved individuals stealing from offering boxes within the church and the vandalism incidents resulted in several broken