Item 26 - Public Hearing Vista Heritage Charter School (601 North Fairview Street)

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Vista Heritage Charter School (601 North Fairview Street) January 16, 2024 Page 2 and per Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan, or Zoning) of the CEQA Guidelines. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Collin Felch, representing Vista Heritage Charter Schools, is requesting approval of Amendment Application (Zone Change) No. 2023-04 and Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2023-03 to rezone 601 North Fairview Street (APN: 405-241-04) and expand the boundaries of Specific Development No. 82 (SD-82) to accommodate the conversion of an existing 5,837-square-foot industrial building into an administrative office building for Vista Charter School. Approval of the amendment application will allow the change for the zoning of the subject property from Light Industrial (M1) to SD- 82. Furthermore, the zoning ordinance amendment will expand the boundaries of SD-82, and allow Administrative Offices as a permitted use on Parcel 4, and Outdoor Play Areas as a permitted use ancillary to schools on Parcel 2. Staff is recommending approval of the requests subject to conditions of approval that will address any potential negative impacts on the neighboring land uses. Moreover, staff is supporting the applicant's request because the project complies with the General Plan goals and policies and with the applicable zoning district's development standards. The proposed project seeks to preserve and improve the character and integrity of existing neighborhoods and districts through the promotion of a clean, safe, and creative environment. Planning Commission Action and Background At its regular meeting on December 11, 2023, the Planning Commission voted 6:0 (Commissioner Ramos absent) following a public hearing to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2023-04 and an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2023-03. GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes DISCUSSION Project Description The amendment application will allow the rezoning of the subject property from M1 to SD-82 and help facilitate the conversion of a 5,837-square-foot industrial building into an administrative office that will serve Vista Heritage Charter School. Furthermore, the proposed administrative office will serve as headquarters for Vista Heritage Charter School that will oversee a total of six charter schools and it will employ a total of ten individuals that are currently employed at different Vista Heritage Charter Schools. The SD-82 boundaries would be expanded to include the subject property (601 N. Fairview Street or Parcel 4 as illustrated on Exhibit 9), which is approximately 39,437 square feet and located north of the existing SD-82 zoning district, and adjacent to Fairview Street and the Pacific Electric right-of-way (ROW). City Council 26 — 2 1/16/2024