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 5 Prior to the approval of ZOA No. 2019-01, school uses had been in operation at the business park. Specifically, Templo Calvario operated a preschool and kindergarten at 2609 West Fifth Street since the 1990s. In 2003, the Edward B. Cole Senior Academy occupied the site until it relocated to another Santa Ana location in 2010. From 2011 to 2015, Templo Calvario once again operated a school at this location. In 2015, Vista Heritage Charter School took over operations at the site. In 2019, Vista Heritage Charter School expanded their 6-8t" grade operation located at 2609 W. Fifth Street to include kindergarten through 5t" grades within two adjacent suites, pursuant to approval of ZOA No. 2019-01, which also allowed an increase in student enrollment and school operations. Currently, Vista Heritage Charter School occupies approximately 66,000 square feet of building space and accommodates a maximum of 870 students, at 2601 through 2617 West Fifth Street. Project Analysis The proposed project aims to achieve two primary objectives. First, the zoning ordinance amendment is seeking to expand the boundaries of SD-82 and allow an Administrative Office use on Parcel 4, and an Outdoor Play Areas on Parcel 2, as an ancillary use to the Vista Heritage Charter School. Second, the amendment application intends to amend the zoning map by rezoning the subject property from M1 to SD-82. The following sections of this report provides analysis for the proposed action item and the basis for staff's recommendation of approval for the project. Zoning Ordinance Amendment Pursuant to SAMC Section 41-593.1, the purpose and intent of a specific development (SD) designation is to provide a tailored and flexible zoning approach to address specific and exceptional circumstances associated with certain parcels, while protecting and promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City and its residents. These circumstances may include unique characteristics, historical significance, or specific community needs that deviate from the standard zoning regulations. Moreover, SD designations protect and enhance the value of properties by encouraging the use of good design principles and concepts; encouraging, securing, and maintaining the orderly and harmonious appearance, attractiveness, and aesthetic development; providing a method whereby specific development plans are based on the general plan; and by recognizing the interdependence of land values and aesthetics and providing a method to implement interdependence. For this specific proposal, the applicant is proposing to amend the SD-82 document to allow Administrative Offices as a permitted use on Parcel 4 and Outdoor Play Areas on Parcel 2, ancillary to the existing school. In response to this application, staff is proposing that SD-82 be revised pursuant to Table 3 below: Table 3: Permitted Uses and Operational Standards for SD-82 REQUIREMENT ISSUE AND PROPOSED AMENDMENT STANDARDS: I Issue: City Council 26 — 5 1/16/2024